Report: Colts expected to face (Mason) Rudolph ahead of Christmas Day, in rivalry game vs. Titans

Report: Colts expected to face (Mason) Rudolph ahead of Christmas Day, in rivalry game vs. Titans
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According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Tennessee Titans are planning a change at starting quarterback ahead of Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts (1 PM EST, CBS).

Specifically, it’s expected the Titans are hoping that Rudolph will help steer and steady their sleigh in tumultuous skies ahead of Christmas Day—and that he’ll shine ‘oh so bright’!

That is, Mason Rudolph.

It will not be a clash of 2023 top quarterbacks prospects after all, as Colts’ 2nd-year starter Anthony Richardson will not go head-to-head against fellow draft class member Will Levis.

The since demoted Titans started threw 3 interceptions during 12 pass attempts last weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. His head coach, Brian Callahan, had seen enough.

Instead, Rudolph, the former 2018 3rd round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers with 16 career starts under his belt (including 3 this season for Tennessee, when he went 1-2), will be the new starter for the Titans and maybe even for the rest of the 2024 campaign.

This season for Tennessee, Rudolph has completed 97 of 154 pass attempts (63.0%) for 6 passing touchdowns and 5 interceptions during his aforementioned 3 starts and in relief of Levis.

Of course, following a ‘low football I.Q.’ loss on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, the Colts now have just a 15% chance of making the playoffs if they beat the Titans—meaning this game may be more about divisional pride and bragging rights against a longtime AFC South rival (*or jockeying for more opportune 2025 NFL Draft position than anything).

That being said, it would be nice to see Richardson and Colts company have a strong performance—as the franchise looks to build even some momentum for next season.