Mason Rudolph’s great day against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 increased the cost of Kenny Pickett’s re-entry as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback. Pickett was given additional time in practice by the Steelers before being named starter.
Pickett is expected to be ready to play for the Steelers in their Week 17 game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If the Steelers want to make the playoffs, they must beat the Seahawks this week and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making Pickett earn his job back
Pittsburgh Steelers Kenny Pickett
This is where the Steelers figure out if Kenny Pickett is the guy. Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
The Steelers might not be ready to hand Pickett the keys this week with so much in Pittsburgh riding on the result against the Seahawks. Per the Steelers’ website, head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett’s health is only one “component” of the Steelers decision to name Rudolph as their starting quarterback as they practice this week:
The Steelers (8-7) will prepare to play against the Seahawks (8-7) with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback and see how Pickett’s surgically-repaired ankle responds to practice throughout the week.
However, unlike last week, when Tomlin wasn’t necessarily sure what kind of performance he might get from Rudolph after turning to him following two games with Mitch Trubisky replacing Pickett, there is some very tangible evidence that Rudolph can be part of a winning effort for the Steelers.
“There’s multiple variables in the discussion and Kenny’s health or his relative health is a component of it as well,” Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Obviously, we feel better having tangible evidence of his performance.
“As I stand here, we are kind of in the same mentality in terms of how we were approaching the week in terms of the day-to-day aspect of it.”
In other words, the Steelers are making Pickett prove he’s ready to be the starting quarterback again. And more importantly, Tomlin is saying Pickett’s health is only one part of the equation.
Does that mean Pickett is benched? Maybe. However, much of Tomlin’s decision could have to do with Pickett’s skillset. The Steelers need Pickett to be closer to 100 percent healthy to be a quality starter versus what you’d get with Patrick Mahomes dealing with the same injury.
Mason Rudolph has the hot hand this week
pittsburgh steelers qb mason rudolph
Rudolph proved his worth to the Steelers Saturday when he went 17/27 passing for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and most importantly, zero interceptions. Rudolph’s production is better than Pickett’s, and Mitch Trubisky’s this season–pretty much across the board.
Rudolph is 9.8 yards per pass this season. Picket is averaging just 6.4 yards this season. Pickett has thrown six touchdowns to four interceptions this season.
Rudolph also got the ball out to his playmakers and spread passes to several pass-catchers during the Steelers’ 34-11 blowout win (the first game this season where the Steelers have reached 30+ points). George Pickens had a breakout game, catching four passes on six targets for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Diontae Johnson caught just two passes, but he was targeted five times.
Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers Washington Commanders
It only makes sense for Tomlin to go with the hot hand since he’ll be under the microscope in Pittsburgh for the next two games.
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