Steelers’ Tomlin: Kenny Pickett to be Game-Time Call for TNF
Oct 30, 2023, 12:32 PM ET
Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett will be a game-time decision for Thursday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans because of his rib injury, coach Mike Tomlin said Monday.
Starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, has been ruled out for Thursday night’s game with his hamstring injury, Tomlin announced.
Both Pickett and Fitzpatrick sustained their injuries in the Steelers’ 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Pickett suffered his injury when he was drilled by Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis on a first-down pass attempt with 17 seconds left in the first half. Fitzpatrick, who leads the Steelers with 54 total tackles, suffered his injury early in the first quarter.
If Pickett can’t play, the Steelers (4-3) would turn to veteran Mitch Trubisky, who came on in relief of Pickett on Sunday. He completed 15-of-27 passes for 138 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.
Before his injury, Pickett was 10-of-16 for 73 yards along with one 10-yard rush. He has thrown for 1,330 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He also has rushed for a touchdown.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing uncertainty ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Starting quarterback Kenny Pickett’s availability for the game remains uncertain due to a rib injury. Coach Mike Tomlin revealed that Pickett’s status will be determined just before kickoff.
In addition to Pickett’s injury, starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out for the game due to a hamstring injury. Fitzpatrick, who leads the Steelers in total tackles, suffered the injury early in the first quarter of their previous game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Both Pickett and Fitzpatrick sustained their injuries during the Steelers’ disappointing 20-10 loss to the Jaguars. Pickett was hit hard by Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis on a pass attempt just before halftime. Fitzpatrick’s absence will be a significant blow to the Steelers’ defense, as he has been a key contributor this season.
If Pickett is unable to play, the Steelers will turn to veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky took over for Pickett during the Jaguars game and completed 15-of-27 passes for 138 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. While Trubisky has experience as a starting quarterback, his performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
Before his injury, Pickett had a decent performance, completing 10-of-16 passes for 73 yards and rushing for an additional 10 yards. He has thrown for 1,330 yards this season, with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Pickett’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground has been valuable for the Steelers’ offense.
The Steelers currently hold a 4-3 record and will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss. However, the uncertainty surrounding Pickett’s availability adds an extra layer of challenge for the team. The Titans, on the other hand, will likely aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Steelers’ defense caused by Fitzpatrick’s absence.
Thursday night’s game will be a crucial test for the Steelers as they strive to maintain their position in the competitive AFC North division. The outcome of the game could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing uncertainty ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Starting quarterback Kenny Pickett’s availability remains uncertain due to a rib injury, while starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Steelers will turn to veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky if Pickett is unable to play. The outcome of the game will be crucial for the Steelers’ playoff aspirations, and their ability to overcome these injuries will be key to their success.