Tomlin sticking with Pickett as starting QB if cleared
Rookie Kenny Pickett will remain the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
The 24-year-old passer remains in the concussion protocol but isn't expected to be limited in practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
"If he's cleared to play, he'll play," Tomlin said.
"We're not going to blow in the wind. We're going to be somewhat steady," Tomlin said when asked about the decision to stick with Pickett as the starter.
The quarterback left last weekend's 20-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he was pushed to the ground by linebacker Devin White. Pickett stayed on the ground for several seconds before getting up, and he was evaluated on the sidelines and then taken to the locker room.
The 20th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft completed 11 of his 18 pass attempts for 67 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. Mitch Trubisky filled in for Pickett and threw for 144 yards and a score to lift Pittsburgh to its second win of the season.
Trubisky was benched in favor of Pickett at halftime of the team's Week 4 loss to the New York Jets. After some enigmatic starts by the veteran to begin the season, the Steelers opted to let the rookie take the reins of the offense.
Pickett is 1-1 as a starter. The Pitt alum has passed for 514 yards and one touchdown with a 66.3% completion rate. He's also added two rushing scores.
Meanwhile, the Steelers anticipate removing cornerback Levi Wallace and tight end Pat Freiermuth from concussion protocol later this week.