Next up for the undefeated 49ers and their dominating defense: a rookie quarterback making his first career start.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Monday that Ben Roethlisberger needs season-ending elbow surgery, thus thrusting rookie Mason Rudolph into the lineup Sunday for hat the 49ers home opener.
Rudolph, a second-year quarterback out of Oklahoma State, will be making his starting debut. His only previous NFL experience came Sunday. He was 12-of-19 for 112 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in relief as the Steelers fell at home 28-26 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin issued a statement: “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.