Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky stepped in admirably in Week 15, leading the team to its sixth victory of the season. Now, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett seems ready to return from his concussion. In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett's concussion is behind him. Once he is officially cleared procedurally, which Tomlin fully expects to happen, the rookie will start in Week 16.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Additionally, if the team were to practice on Tuesday, the head coach said his rookie signal-caller would be a full participant. Pickett's return comes in time to face the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium, which is shaping up to be one of the coldest games in team history. In other words, lock him in as your Week 16 starter for the Steelers.
As for other injuries exiting the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers are lucky again. For the most part, they've remained one of the healthiest teams in the NFL throughout the 2022 season (knock on wood). Starting safety Terrell Edmunds has a hamstring injury, which will keep him limited at practice early in the week.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who is coming off his best game this season, is dealing with a turf toe injury. Fullback and core special teamer Derek Watt has an ankle issue that will be monitored throughout the week. Tomlin expects those two to be limited early in the week, but their availability for the game on Saturday evening shouldn't be affected.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Myles Jack has seemingly been banged up all season with a multitude of injuries, but he's mostly stayed on the field. In Week 15 though, he did not play due to a groin issue. Rookie Mark Robinson got a few defensive snaps as a result, while Devin Bush and Robert Spillane held things down at inside linebacker. Jack will likely be limited early in the week as well, but is expected to play against the Raiders.
One player that wasn't mentioned until Tomlin was asked about him was tight end Pat Freiermuth. The ascending star has been dealing with a foot injury lately, and it has obviously been hurting him. Freiermuth failed to register a catch in Sunday's win for the first time in his NFL career. He played just 55.9% of the team's offensive snaps. Tomlin said "we will see tomorrow [Wednesday]" how Freiermuth's foot is doing, but they fully anticipate him playing in Week 16.
What are your expectations for Pickett in his first NFL game in the cold? Do you think Robinson should get more snaps at ILB? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
