The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, and the team didn’t just win their 9th game, their playoff hopes remain alive. While the Steelers don’t control their own destiny, they are still alive heading into the regular season finale vs. the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

When the NFL announced the Steelers vs. Ravens game will be played Saturday at 4:30pm EST, it meant the Steelers were working on a short week. It also meant Mike Tomlin was speaking with the media Monday instead of Tuesday in preparation for the final AFC North game of the regular season.

As has been customary the last two games, the question heading into the game was who will be the team’s quarterback when the whistle blows. Mike Tomlin didn’t leave much in question, not after the Steelers posted back-to-back 30 point games with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, and the Steelers head coach announced Rudolph will remain the starter.

The difference between this week and last week, prior to the Seattle game, is Kenny Pickett is healthy and cleared to play; however, that won’t sway the Steelers’ decision at quarterback. On top of that, Tomlin said Pickett will likely be the team’s primary back up quarterback in Baltimore this Saturday evening.

Hear more from Tomlin in the video below, courtesy of Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Mike Tomlin on why Mason Rudolph will start and Kenny Pickett likely be the backup Saturday in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/vt3v4FWqIg

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 1, 2024

For those who like to look ahead, what would the Steelers do if the team made the playoffs? Who would be the quarterback? Tomlin was asked that very question, but refused to make a glaring declaration. Instead, he elected to say it all depends what happens this week. It should be noted the Steelers need to win, and help, to make the playoffs, and nothing will be decided on Saturday, even if the Steelers win. The games which matter for the Steelers playoff hopes, assuming they win, will take place on Sunday.

Other news which was delivered by the Steelers head coach was on the injury front. Some fans may have forgotten, but there is a chance the Steelers get inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral) back in the mix for Week 18. Tomlin said Roberts could be listed as day-to-day. The same tag could be give to Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Trenton Thompson (neck/stinger) as they hope to return to the team after missing the past two games.

In-game, T.J. Watt left the game with an injury, but was able to return. Tomlin said the injury might limit Watt early in the week, but doesn’t see it forcing him out of the lineup vs. the Ravens this Saturday.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the finale vs. the Ravens on the road in Week 18.