Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss, his second of the season. Last time, he returned to action the next week. That means it probably isn't as likely that he'll play in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. Pickett is indeed in concussion protocol, as expected. Due to the rookie's status being in doubt, head coach Mike Tomlin may have to turn to someone else.
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Mitch Trubisky, who started the first four games this season, filled in when Pickett left Sunday's game. While he had some good moments, his three interceptions were awfully critical in the three-point loss. In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin refused to name a starter if Pickett is unable to go. He said that both Trubisky and veteran Mason Rudolph will get reps this week.
"We'll take it day-by-day," Tomlin said in his press conference via the Steelers' YouTube channel. "They'll both get looks."
From there, Tomlin and the coaching staff will determine who will be the starter. Again, that is if the rookie is ruled out due to his concussion. If he's cleared, Pickett will be the starter. Rudolph made things interesting in training camp, as he was the best starter of the three QBs at times. He still ended up being the third-string and has yet to see the field in 2022.
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Rudolph is in the last year of his contract, so this could potentially be the last time we see him in a Steelers uniform. He's made 10 career starts, while appearing in 17 games overall in his disappointing four-year career. Trubisky probably still has the edge on who would be the starter, but it seems Tomlin is leaving the door open for making a change.
As for the specifics of Pickett's injury, Tomlin said the experts cleared him to continue after doing an evaluation. That evaluation essentially continues, to which the doctors opted to rule him out after he played one series. The team will probably take things slow with him considering it is the rookie's second head injury this season. At this point, with the team out of the playoff picture, his long-term health is the most important aspect.
If Pickett can't go, should the Steelers start Rudolph or Trubisky? Should the Steelers sit Pickett a week, even if he's cleared? Are you concerned with his long-term health? Share your thoughts on the quarterback situation in the comment section below!
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