With regards to who will start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ next game, don’t write down Mason Rudolph’s name in permanent marker just yet. Indications are Kenny Pickett continues to remain in play for the role.
Pickett had what coach Mike Tomlin characterized as “a good day” at practice Wednesday, three days before Saturday’s 2023 home finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the league-mandated injury report, Pickett was classified as a limited participant at Wednesday’s practice.
“We will see how his body responds to the work today,” Tomlin said after the session, “and make plans for (Thursday) accordingly.”
Pickett has missed the past two games since suffering an ankle injury during a Dec. 3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Pickett had “tightrope” surgery the following day. Mitch Trubisky was the starter for losses to New England and Indianapolis, and Tomlin said Monday that Mason Rudolph has passed Trubisky on the depth chart and will start unless Pickett is cleared.
According to videos from media from the early portion of Wednesday’s practice, Pickett was second in the quarterback line for drills behind Rudolph. On Tuesday, an ESPN video showed Pickett was fourth behind Rudolph, Trubisky and practice-squad member Trace McSorley.
Tomlin indicated during his news conference Monday that Pickett was ahead of schedule on his rehab and said he was not ruling Pickett out to play Saturday. Tomlin was asked Wednesday if, in light of his impressions Monday, how he thought Pickett was progressing this week.
“I think he’s where I thought he would be,” Tomlin said.
Though the team will conduct a walkthrough Friday, the official playing status report comes out after Thursday’s practice.
“I think (Thursday) is a big day (in evaluating Pickett),” Tomlin said.
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