Steelers QB Mason Rudolph preparing as if Ben Roethlisberger won't clear COVID-19 protocols

Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph was called into action for what became last Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Detroit Lions after starter Ben Roethlisberger self-reported COVID-19 symptoms the previous day and subsequently tested positive for the virus. 

Roethlisberger might be eligible to return for the upcoming "Sunday Night Football" matchup at the Los Angeles Chargers, but Rudolph is understandably acting as if he'll be QB1 again. 

"It's just the nature of being a backup quarterback right now," Rudolph said Thursday, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "There's ebb and flow. [Quarterbacks] Coach Sully (Mike Sullivan) calls it 'midstream adjust.' You've gotta adjust and always be ready. I think having those experiences with Cincy last year and over my career has helped me kind of be ready to flip on a dime.

"Finding out last Saturday night right before I went to the hotel, you kind of go through those storms and you're hardened from it." 

Roethlisberger must produce two negative virus tests at least 24 hours apart and remain free of any symptoms for 48 hours to return to team activities before kickoff on Sunday. The Steelers have to travel to Los Angeles on a flight scheduled to depart Saturday morning, but the future Hall of Famer could eventually fly out on his own if he clears protocols in time. Pryor adds Pittsburgh can put Roethlisberger on the 53-man roster by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday but ultimately leave him inactive if he's deemed unable to participate come Sunday night. 

Rudolph completed 30-of-50 passes for 242 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Detroit.