Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has fired back at the suggestion that he refused to be the backup quarterback last week.
Speaking from the locker room on Tuesday, Pickett said he was inactive during Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks because he wasn’t medically cleared.
“I saw reports that I feel were attacking, you know, my character and how I am as a person, not even getting to a player’s standpoint of it,” Pickett told reporters at the beginning of his media session, per The Athletic. “There was no talk of me being a backup quarterback this week in terms of being a two. If I was healthy enough to play, the trainers and coaches felt like I was good enough to play, I was going to start and play. If they believed I was not, which they believed I was not, I was not going to dress and suit up for the game. So, whoever reported that, (I) don’t know where it started, it’s kind of crazy what people would write and put out there. To try to prove their point or help their standpoint or their careers — and what you guys do.
I am disappointed to note that there’s no proof or basis to support some claims. This week, I have taken on two roles. The recovery from the surgery has been progressing well, and I feel good four weeks post-surgery. I’m ready to take on the dual roles and will do whatever it takes to be prepared for Baltimore. I believe I’ve answered any potential questions regarding this matter comprehensively. If there are any other queries, or questions about Baltimore, we can proceed to discuss them.
Despite Pickett being medically cleared to return for Week 18 — he was a full participant in Tuesday’s walkthrough practice — head coach Mike Tomlin is sticking with Mason Rudolph as the starter for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. The offense has opened up significantly with Rudolph under center. In the two games with the veteran starting, Pittsburgh is averaging 432.5 yards per game, 275.0 passing yards, and 32 points per game. With Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky starting, the Steelers averaged 287.1 points per tilt, 177.1 passing yards per game and 15.9 points per contest.
A first-round pick, Pickett is surely upset with Tomlin’s decision to stick with Rudolph, but he insisted he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to help the Steelers win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Tomlin’s choice, together with Rudolph’s impressive performance, places Pickett’s future in Pittsburgh and the Steelers’ quarterback selection as a major offseason narrative in the Steel City.
