Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph took a massive hit from two Baltimore Ravens defenders and had to be helped off the field in the third quarter of Sunday's game.

Rudolph was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a concussion and taken to hospital for further evaluation. He returned home later in the day, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rudolph appeared to be knocked unconscious after taking Ravens safety Earl Thomas' helmet to the jaw. The 24-year-old was sprawled out on the turf for several minutes as the medical staff brought out a stretcher. Rudolph came to, however, and was instead helped off the field and into the locker room.

Thomas was assessed a penalty for roughing the passer on the play. Steelers fans chanted for the refs to throw him out of the game.

Rudolph was replacing Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2. Rookie Devlin Hodges - the only other quarterback on Pittsburgh's roster - took over for Rudolph.

Hodges immediately led the Steelers on a touchdown drive to put Pittsburgh up 17-13 late in the third quarter.