Steelers' Kenny Pickett Deems Himself Ready; Calls On Coaching Staff To Make Decision Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pivotal decision as they approach their Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterback situation has become a topic of intrigue and debate, with Kenny Pickett's return from injury hanging in the balance.

Pickett had been the starting quarterback until an injury sidelined him during the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Reports suggested that he would be fit to return for the Seahawks game. However, the offensive fireworks ignited by Mason Rudolph during the Steelers' 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals have added a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.

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Rudolph's remarkable performance against the Bengals included a dazzling display of 290 passing yards and two touchdowns. It was a standout offensive showing that many consider the best of the entire 2023 season and one of the most impressive by a Steelers quarterback since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation during his press conference on Tuesday, officially naming Rudolph as the starter for the upcoming game against the Seahawks for the time being. As of that moment, Rudolph was the slated starter, unless Kenny Pickett could prove he was healthy enough to play.

Pickett offered valuable insight into his health and readiness during an interview with members of the media on Wednesday. He acknowledged his ongoing efforts to push himself and prepare for a potential return, but left the final decision in the hands of the trainers and coaches.

"I feel like I always try to push myself. It’s the trainers, it’s the coaches, it’s what they see me moving and how they want to go about it."

In a report by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pickett's perspective on his readiness became clearer. Adamski noted that Pickett believes he is prepared to play, emphasizing that the coaching staff and trainers would ultimately determine the course of action.

"Kenny Pickett says he feels like he’s ready to play. The coaches and trainers, he says, are making the decisions."

Tomlin's earlier announcement that Rudolph would start against the Seahawks left room for speculation regarding Pickett's potential return. Now, with Pickett expressing his readiness, the decision becomes even more intriguing. The coaching staff will closely evaluate Pickett's performance during practice and assess his mobility as the week progresses. 

The coming days will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the Steelers' starting quarterback for the pivotal matchup against the Seahawks. As the coaching staff deliberates over the best course of action, Steelers fans will eagerly await the final decision, knowing that both Pickett and Rudolph bring their unique strengths to the table. The quarterback situation adds a layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes game, where the Steelers' playoff hopes hang in the balance.

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