Behind the Steel Curtain
Skylar Thompson entered Steelers training camp as an afterthought in the quarterback room. With Aaron Rodgers signing in late June, Mason Rudolph returning after a season with the Titans, and sixth-round pick Will Howard grabbing fans’ attention, few were concerned with Thompson. But after his preseason performances, it’s a lot harder to imagine a Steelers roster without him.
Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch said during the game’s broadcast yesterday that he believes that Thompson being the backup to Aaron Rodgers is very much in play.
“I do believe that Skylar Thompson is in that conversation for the backup quarterback job with his play in the preseason.”
Thompson has been the most impressive quarterback this preseason for the Steelers, and he capped it off yesterday with an impressive 11-of-13 performance, throwing for 152 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown pass yesterday marked the fourth that Thompson has thrown this preseason.
Rudolph has not been horrendous this preseason, but Thompson has outplayed him, finishing with more yards and touchdowns. Rudolph ended the preseason with 36 yards, an interception, and a 6-of-8 performance.
Of course, Will Howard is still going to be on the team in some capacity, but the Steelers have found themselves in an interesting situation with Skylar Thompson. Should teams be interested in Thompson, the Steelers could trade him, likely for a late-round draft pick. But for now, Thompson is on the roster and has given the team every reason to not only keep him, but to potentially promote him.
Who do you think has earned the backup quarterback job for the Steelers? Or is he more valuable as a trade asset? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the BTSC community now!
