Now he and other players not getting into the Albion side have been told to keep the levels high through the week.
Fabian Hurzeler used matchwinner Yankuba Minteh as an example of the rewards daily graft can bring after his start and goal at Sunderland.
In post-match changing room scenes released by the club via their weekly Brighton Unlocked feature, Hurzeler can be seen praising Minteh for his response to a tough period in mid-season.
He then turns his attention to Rutter, who was again unused substitute as Albion ground out a result in the North East.
Rutter also remained on the bench in the wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
Hurzeler told the changing room: “Minteh, it was not a brilliant goal, but a goal is a goal.
“And you know what? You deserve it. You deserve it because you work hard in the last weeks, and now you had your chance, and now you were there. You worked for this.
“And Gini (Rutter), I say it to you, you also worked hard this week, and today is a tough decision for you from my side that you didn't play.
“But your only decision is to keep going, to keep going, because your chance will also come.
“Then you have to be there for the team.
“And that's for everyone, guys, who was sitting on the bench today. That's for everyone who's a non-starter. Minteh is the example for you.
“Being up, going through tough times, not playing, but then he has the chance ad then he is there.
“And you can only be prepared if you work hard during the week.
“And all the other guys who are on the pitch, that’s warriors. That’s fighters.”