For Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers’ training camp is just another day in the office. “I’m gonna throw some picks. But I’m gonna throw some touchdowns too,” Rodgers said calmly after opening his account in training camp with an interception. Even Mike Tomlin was unfazed, simply shrugging the matter off. But not everyone can stay as calm as the Super Bowl Champion. After all, for some, they don’t have a resume quite as stacked as Rodgers.

With Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, T.J. Watt, and Cam Heyward taking Saturday off, the spotlight shifted to the rookies and backups. A chance for players like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to shine. Howard has been getting reps with the third team and has had an impressive two days of camp. He had already laid out his goals ahead: “I’m gonna try and elevate myself, elevate my game and learn something new every day and get better every single day.” And so far, he’s been showing great progress, getting more comfortable by the minute. The same could be said for Rudolph, who was brought in to be the veteran backup. He’s been looking good with the second team and has taken charge in stride. However, both QBs met their roadblock on Saturday.

Day 9 saw mistakes coming from Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. The funny part? They made the same mistake. For the two QBs who have been looking good on the days before, they’ve hit the same wall: CB James Pierre. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, “Reserve CB James Pierre had two interceptions in one-on-ones within a handful of plays, first picking off Rudolph before snagging a Howard pass.” Pierre, who recently re-signed with Pittsburgh as a trusted backup, showed everyone why he is exactly so. But Pierre wasn’t the only one who didn’t allow the QBs to shine.

TE Darnell Washington is an impressive figure, listed at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds. And Rudolph is ever glad he’s a friend and not a foe. “I don’t know how many human beings can run, and the way he does it, 300 pounds, 290, 299, it’s pretty impressive,” he said when asked about Darnell. On Saturday, Washington caught a deep pass from Rudolph in the back of the end zone and connected with Howard briefly when he was elevated to get reps with the first team. He will be a force to reckon with next season. All in all, for the QBs who got valuable reps with the first team, as Rodgers took a vet day, they couldn’t capitalize.

Aaron Rodgers is not meeting expectations

While Rodger is positive about his interceptions, the Steeler nation is not. Friday Night Lights saw cars fill the lot as the training camp had its highest viewership. All eyes on Rodgers. However, the four-time MVP couldn’t deliver on the expectations placed on him. His best throw was an uncorked hole shot down the left sideline that fell incomplete, hitting the receiver’s hands. And on Saturday, Rodgers didn’t step onto the field.

Steelers insider Brian Batko tweeted, “Steelers 7 shooting with Mason Rudolph in for Aaron Rodgers (rest) as QB for the first-team offense • incomplete to Scotty Miller • TD snagged by big Darnell Washington • incomplete for Pat Freiermuth broken up by Chuck Clark and Cole Holcomb.” With two incompletions to his name, the chances of a change in the QB depth chart are low. However, Rudolph will still await an opportunity.

The veteran QB knows a lot about the waiting game. He has been a ready option for QB1 since day one, and all it takes is one opportunity. “He’s always been consistent of who he is,” said TE Pat Freiermuth. Do you remember when Kenny Pickett suffered that injury? Rudolph came in and helped the Steelers snag a three-game winning streak. He’s done it before, and he might flash the same form next season. Especially with Aaron Rodgers not meeting the mark at the moment.