Steelers' Kenny Pickett Detailed He's Learned Nothing From Watching On The Sidelines

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in the midst of a very messy quarterback situation. Starter Kenny Pickett went down with an ankle injury in a Week 13 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Backup Mitch Trubisky has been incredibly disappointing, so third-stringer Mason Rudolph most recently came up to bat. Pickett is now stating that he's ready to go and start again for Pittsburgh, and also explains that he hasn't learned much from his time on the sidelines. 

Pickett has had a frustrating 2023 season, only throwing for 2,070 yards over the 13 games he played. He has an even sadder six passing touchdowns. He has also dealt with other lingering injuries apart from the ankle. A rib injury bothered him for a couple of weeks and took him out of a contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars. With his less-than-impressive performance and infuriating injuries, Pickett has become quite the disgruntled quarterback. 

Rudolph stepped up big in both Pickett and Trubisky's absence, throwing for a Steelers quarterback-best in 2023 with 290 yards in a 34-11 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, keeping Pittsburgh alive in the playoff race. The Steelers were looking like they were going to continue to feed the hot hand and start Rudolph again in a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but now Pickett's willingness to start has muddied the waters. 

Pickett also seems very eager to get back on the field. He discussed in a locker room interview that he feels 100% and the trainers (along with the Steelers staff) need to make the final decision on if he can play or not. Pickett also made sure to praise Rudolph in the interview, stating that his attitude and work ethic are valuable to the team. 

Pickett also briefly spoke on his time on the sideline. When asked if he had learned anything valuable while he was sidelined, his response was simple. 

"No." 

He doesn't seem to be too happy that he has been sidelined for so long, but some of his frustration is understandable. He worked with an awful offensive coordinator during the heart of his time starting in 2023, while underproducing, and then getting injured when it was crucial for him to prove his worth. Now seeing the success from Rudolph along with feeling well enough to start, is enough to frustrate the young quarterback, and it is yet to be known if he'll get his chance to start in Week 17 (or again in 2023). 

Who Will Start For The Steelers?

Head Coach Mike Tomlin recently announced that Rudolph will get the starting nod against the Seahawks, but that was before Pickett came forward and stated that he feels ready to go. His statement might put more pressure on Tomlin and the coaching staff. Depending on how Rudolph performs in Seattle if he does indeed start, he may also get the chance to finish out the season and start in Week 18. The Baltimore Ravens may be resting their starters to prepare for the playoffs that very week. Pickett has a very turbulent few weeks ahead of him and it will be very interesting to see how it plays out. 

What do you think of Pickett's current situation? Should he start again in 2023? Give us your thoughts in a comment!

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