Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett has had both ups and downs this season, which can be expected for a first-year quarterback. He has thrown two touchdowns to eight interceptions. His play caller, offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, hasn't done him any favors the majority of the year, but Pickett played one of his most efficient and more importantly, mistake-free games of the season on Sunday when the team beat the New Orleans Saints, 20-10.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares for the team's Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
The stat sheet isn't the only thing that has been a bit of a roller coaster since he became the starting quarterback in Week 5. Pickett suffered a concussion in a Week 6 bout against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He didn't miss any game action the following week. On Sunday however, he seemed to have tweaked his left ankle early in the second half versus New Orleans. Although it didn't affect his play for the remainder of the game, it is something to keep an eye on due to the history surrounding the injury.
Kenny Pickett is heading into the blue medical tent to be evaluated.
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) November 13, 2022
Looks like they were looking at his left ankle
On October 10th, 2020, Pickett was injured in a collegiate contest against Boston College. He suffered a Grade 3 high ankle sprain along with Grade 2 sprains on the inside and outside of his lower ankle. He underwent tightrope surgery and was still able to return to action that year about four weeks after the procedure. After the Week 10 victory, he ensured that there is not any cause for concern.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) at the University of Pitt's 2022 pro day. | Logan Whitton / Getty Images
"It feels good. I'll ice it and I'll be good to go this week."
Pickett did not miss a snap and finished rushing the ball eight times and for 51 yards. The Steelers' 217 total yards on the ground gave him a little bit of relief and he seemed more comfortable and relaxed only having to throw the ball 30 times.
Teams should always be cautious with their young quarterbacks, but it is good news that the rookie avoided an injury that could have affected his status for the upcoming divisional matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals. It will be something to monitor lightly going forward as any disruptions to areas of the body that previously were surgically repaired should be approached lightly for a period of time after any potential tweak.
Are you worried about Pickett's ankle at all after he came up gimpy in the second half on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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