Ben Roethlisberger Out for Season, Rudolph Time in Pittsburgh

It looks highly likely Mason Rudolph will pick up his first NFL start when the Steelers travel to San Francisco on Sunday.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin released a statement Monday announcing franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would be out for the season. An MRI on his throwing elbow revealed Roethlisberger would need surgery.

“Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday evening and it was determined by the Steelers’ medical team that surgery will be required,” Tomlin’s statement read. “We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week. He will be placed on our Reserve/Injured List and is out for the season.”

Rudolph played the entire second half of the Steelers’ 28-26 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. The second-year former Cowboy went 12-for-19 with 112 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that bounced off wide receiver Donte Moncrief’s face.

Rudolph is Oklahoma State’s record holder in career passing yards (13,618), passing touchdowns (92), completions (915), pass efficiency (159.7) and passing yards per game (324.2).