PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan)- If there is anyone we can talk to that would know how the preparation process works as a backup quarterback in the NFL week to week, it's former Steelers QB Charlie Batch.
Batch joined The Fan Morning Show Friday and talked about challenges the Steelers face with the uncertainty around Ben Roethlisberger's availability this week in being placed on the COVID list.
Will the full selection of plays that the Steelers have for Ben still be there for Mason Rudolph or Josh Dobbs? How much will things have to change?
"I would like to think it is only because [Rudolph] understands the offense. How much no huddle will he be running in the game? It's just a matter of how comfortable he is running a particular package. So I think it varies from that perspective. So Mason, he does have the advantage only because he was here last year," said Batch.
"Of course we traded back for Dobbs, but he's a different type of quarterback. He's a little bit more mobile, so if he's inserted into the lineup you're going to see some movement in the pocket with Dobbs showing the ability to use his legs. So it's two different offensive packages that you have to prepare for if you're Randy Fichtner.
But there's just not enough time in practice to get these two guys ready. One has to take 80% of the snaps, the other takes 20% and that gives you an indication. Unfortunately, no media members with the exception of a few, are allowed at practice so nobody can really tell what that rotation is right now."
As far as what Ben Roethlisberger may be dealing with this week, Charlie took us through how Ben can go through the COVID protocol, hopefully without skipping a beat on Sunday.
"This is obviously a rare situation because Tomlin has his way of going about business as it relates to practice time and whether or not you're ready. Ben has earned that respect and they'll take him through that process.
The good part about is, the way the technology has changed, they put him on Zoom and he's actually in the meetings and he's not missing any team meetings or an actual position meeting. So that's good for that perspective.
With him not practicing, don't expect any new plays that will be installed in the game plan just because if a new plays comes you want to be able to rep those to make it look good in practice.
If they don't, then you just scratch it and get ready for the following week so I think they'll be fine."
Batch does think Mason Rudolph still has to "prove that he can play and that he's a capable starter" at this point in his career, especially if he's going to gain interest from other teams around the league after the season.
