Every week during the 2022 NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary Quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger has co-hosted a podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger alongside Spencer Te'o and several guests. The most recent episode was released on Tuesday night and Pittsburgh Pirates' former second baseman, Neil Walker joined the show. The three discussed Walker's career and roots to the city of Pittsburgh. But when the trio began to discuss the Steelers' Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers, the future Hall of Famer had an interesting perspective on his successor, rookie Quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 20: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Pickett started every game since Week 5 for the franchise but was unable to go in Week 15 due to the league's concussion protocol. In what was his second such injury of the season, he did not get cleared and watched in street clothes as backup, Mitchell Trubisky led a run-heavy offense to a 24-16 win. The team has a slim .03% chance of making the playoffs, and if they would have lost, maybe it wouldn't be the best decision to risk Pickett's long-term health for the remainder of the year.
In Week 4, he was taken down versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and although he entered the league's precautionary protocol, was cleared to play the following week against the Miami Dolphins. He was not as lucky to escape the protocol after suffering a concussion at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 that should have been flagged for roughing the passer. Roethlisberger is first looking to see if he finds his way back into the lineup when the team hosts the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, which it looks like he will.
"It'll be interesting to see if he is back this week. What he comes out doing. Is he coming out playing? What's it going to look like," Roethlisberger asked.
Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap at Acrisure Stadium during regular season action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Roethlisberger even suggested that if the team didn't prevail down in Carolina, it may be wise for the franchise to let him heal up and get ready for the 2023 off-season. He should absolutely be cautious due to his two head injuries this season.
"At one point, if they would have lost this Carolina game, I think they should shut him down for the year. He got his work in. I know there's something to be said about getting as many reps as you can, but there's also something to say about knocking off the cob webs, too."
Te'o went on to have Roethlisberger elaborate on the situation and noted the unlikeness that a rookie quarterback is knocked out of two different games during his first NFL season.
"It's hard because I always ask the question, 'did the second [concussion] come because of the first one or was it just completely random?' I'm not an expert," Roethlisberger said.
Photo Credit: Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger
As many fans know from Roethlisberger's playing days, he rarely wanted to come out of a game. He had some heroic moments throughout his career that saw him barely able to hobble down the field and even play with his nose seemingly sideways. But, as he looks on as a retired signal-caller, competitiveness is important, but the future health of your new franchise quarterback might be more critical than winning one or two more games.
"I'm not a proponent of ever... I don't ever give up. I don't want to say ever 'listen I'm done for the season', but at some point, if you're the franchise and you're not gonna make it, you're not going anywhere, it might be smart to shut him down. If he's your guy of the future, which obviously he is, maybe it's smart to do that. The last two games are against division opponents you want experience playing against, but you also don't want to get [injured again].
Roethlisberger finished with his non-medical expert opinion. He said that the noggin is not something to mess around with, especially when it comes to thinking about someone's long-term health both on and off the football field.
"The brain is the only thing you can't get transplanted I believe," Roethlisberger noted.
Do you think the Steelers shutting down Pickett is a good idea if the playoffs are officially out of reach? Let us know in the comments below!
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