It was the perfect match when quarterback, Kenny Pickett fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The organization was familiar with the signal-caller due to his five years at the University of Pittsburgh and it just so happened the position was a top need at the time following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) winds up to make a throw during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers Saw Pickett Sustain Two Concussions
Pickett definitely showed his potential towards the end of the season, minimizing turnovers while also leading two game-winning drives late in the year. It's hard to ignore the state of the NFL when it comes to head injuries, however, and Pittsburgh's newest leader had two during his first season.
The first came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and while Pickett missed the remainder of the game, he was able to suit up for a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins the following week. He then self-reported concussion symptoms after a vicious hit versus the Baltimore Ravens in December.
It's never a good sign to see your rookie, and hopefully future franchise quarterback, struggle with head injuries early on in his career. The hope is that he is protected from that going forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. | Photo Credit: AP
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan met with members of the media Tuesday and when talking to Mike Florio and Chris Simms, wasn't shy when expressing his worries about Pickett, but didn't compare it to what has gone on with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
"It's obviously a concern, right? You know, two concussions. It's obviously a concern. I can't speak too Tua's concussions or how bad they were compared to Kenny's, but you take every precaution, you take every step to try and prevent them or minimize."
If Pickett is going to be the Steelers' franchise quarterback going forward, which many expect him to be, his health is at the top of the priority list. One of the major setbacks he could experience would be concussions. It makes sense that Khan, and likely the rest of the front office, is worried about his rookie season.
Fred Vuich / AP
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) is driven into the ground by Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen resulting in a concussion for the signal-caller.
The organization is focused on keeping Pickett healthy when it comes to head injuries and because of that, he even changed a piece of equipment midseason in order to try and keep himself protected. The Steelers' health gurus were on top of it. That didn't necessarily help Khan's worries, though.
"The helmet, Kenny switched his helmet during the season at recommendation of our medical staff. I'm sure there'll be some things that are discussed with the coaching staff in terms of what he can do maybe, to maybe take less hits, let's say. But, it is concerning."
Khan acknowledging that Pickett did sustain two concussions and it is an area of concern is definitely notable. While they seemed to be minor in comparison to others that occurred, the current NFL rules are strictly designed to protect the players and rightfully so. The Steelers need to do everything possible to not just protect in-game, but also have the right procedures in place to make sure he is healthy longterm.
Do you think that the Steelers need to be extra careful in regards to Pickett's recent head injuries? Let us know in the comments below!
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