2 years, 3 months ago

Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett to make first start at Bills on Sunday

Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett will make his first career start Sunday against the Bills, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, two days after Pickett replaced Mitch Trubisky in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Jets. Pickett completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 120 yards and three interceptions in his regular-season debut, but also rushed for two touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback since 1967 to do so in his debut. “There’s an expectation of quality play and playing to win.” Tomlin said the Steelers have "no reservations about what Kenny is capable of" in terms of schematics. Asked whether the job is Pickett’s to keep, Tomlin said “we believe in Kenny.” “When we make decisions, we don’t anticipate blowing in the wind,” he said.” That’s not how we are.”

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History of this topic

3 weeks, 4 days ago

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin optimistic star LB T.J. Watt will be available for showdown with Ravens

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic star linebacker T.J. Watt’s balky ankle won’t keep him out of Saturday’s visit to Baltimore. Tomlin said he saw Watt walking around the team’s facility on Monday morning without much issue. Tomlin defended having Watt in the game with Philadelphia driving up two scores in the waning minutes, saying he was …

4 months, 1 week ago

Steelers are hoping an overhaul at QB will lead to more success in 2024

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH STEELERS EXPECTATIONS: The franchise has essentially been running in place for nearly a decade, and the angst of being “good but not good enough” is growing, so much so that a team known for its stability made a handful of dramatic — by Steelers’ standards anyway — moves in the offseason. The Steelers also signed inside linebacker Patrick Queen …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

The Steelers’ most compelling position battle? That might be CB2

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Darius Rush has spent less than one year in the NFL. However, when coach Will Muschamp moved on after the 2020 season, Rush transitioned to cornerback for his final two seasons, where his production and 4.36 40-yard dash speed made him one of the top 10 corners in The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler’s 2023 rankings. When the …

8 months, 2 weeks ago

Steelers — even Mike Tomlin — are thrilled with their draft class (as they should be)

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin couldn’t help himself. If you want another example of how the Steelers felt about their most recent draft, which concluded late Saturday afternoon, general manager Omar Khan — affectionately known as the “Khan Artist” after two years of wheeling and dealing — continuously fielded trade calls in every round … and turned down every single one …

9 months, 3 weeks ago

Eagles QB Kenny Pickett mum on moving on from Steelers, ready for ‘good reset’ as backup in Philly

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — After two middling seasons in Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett was ready to leave the Steelers behind — as well as most of the reasons why he wanted out, rather than stay and compete with Russell Wilson for the starting quarterback job. The 25-year-old Pickett said later he had nothing but “great memories” of his Steelers’ run, as well. Steelers …

9 months, 3 weeks ago

Steelers trade Kenny Pickett to the Eagles after signing Russell Wilson, sources tell the AP

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The brief and tumultuous Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh is over. The trade comes just hours after the Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson to a one-year deal to compete with Pickett for the starting job, though all signs appeared to be pointing to Wilson having the edge when the team reported for training camp at Saint …

10 months, 4 weeks ago

Steelers cut QB Mitch Trubisky after disappointing 2 seasons from the former No. 2 overall pick

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers cut quarterback Mitch Trubisky on Monday, sending the former No. Pittsburgh also cut offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and punter Pressley Harvin III to begin what could be a series of moves to free up money before free agency begins. Rudolph is set to become a free agent in March, though coach Mike Tomlin said the …

11 months, 1 week ago

Assessing the Steelers’ QB options at Senior Bowl: QB1 competition or finding a backup?

New York Times

MOBILE, Ala. — In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round playoff flameout, coach Mike Tomlin was asked pointedly if Kenny Pickett will reclaim his title as QB1 next season. Pratt said in Mobile that he never had a personal quarterback coach until this offseason, when he began working with Tony Racioppi, who coincidentally is Kenny Pickett’s longtime personal QB …

11 months, 1 week ago

Steelers owner Art Rooney II puts Kenny Pickett on notice: Need better QB play

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Art Rooney II didn’t raise his voice even one decibel. “Mason Rudolph came in and showed, I think, what we’re capable of when we do get quality play at the quarterback position.” Rooney wasn’t taking a shot at Pickett. Now, heading into Pickett’s third season, Rooney ratcheted up the heat, even though Tomlin pretty much handed the starting …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

Mike Tomlin remains ‘on go’ for the Steelers through 2024, and likely beyond

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin remains “on go” in Pittsburgh. Three days removed, Tomlin admitted “I could have handled the situation better than I did” but added he felt that wasn’t the time or the place to discuss his future. “We’re less speculative about capabilities because there is evidence of it and evidence of it under circumstances,” Tomlin said. While there’s …

1 year ago

Steelers mailbag: Mason Rudolph’s future, Mike Tomlin’s contract and much more

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers somehow did what was unthinkable just a couple of weeks ago and qualified for the playoffs. With the Steelers traveling to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon for a wild-card playoff game, there’s probably no better time to open up the good old mailbag and answer some questions Since you are so interested, let’s …

1 year ago

Kaboly: Kenny Pickett deserves another chance as Steelers’ starting QB. Just not now

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Seriously, how often does the backup quarterback meet the media the moment the locker room opens for the first time in a given week, let alone the week in which the team’s playoff hopes are at stake? The last thing the Steelers envisioned was their benched first-round quarterback denying reports that he refused to dress as Mason Rudolph’s …

1 year ago

Steelers QB Pickett denies speculation he told coaching staff he wouldn’t be No. 2 behind Rudolph

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett says the coaching staff felt he wasn’t ready to play against Seattle, which is why he was inactive during Pittsburgh’s 30-23 win over the Seahawks. The second-year pro, who had right ankle surgery a month ago, denied online speculation that he told the coaching staff he didn’t want to suit up as a …

1 year ago

Steelers sticking with Mason Rudolph at QB against the Ravens even with Kenny Pickett available

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are sticking with Mason Rudolph ahead of their pivotal regular-season finale against Baltimore. Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Rudolph will make a third straight start for the Steelers even with Kenny Pickett expected to be available after recovering from right ankle surgery. “He’s done a good job and we’ve done a good job in …

1 year ago

Steelers will turn to Mason Rudolph once again if Kenny Pickett’s right ankle can’t go vs. Seattle

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mason Rudolph’s dynamic play against Cincinnati helped keep the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season alive. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Rudolph will “have the ball” to begin the week and will get the nod against the Seahawks if starter Kenny Pickett’s surgically repaired right ankle is not ready in time. Rudolph threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in …

1 year ago

Mason Rudolph’s reward for Steelers’ win over the Bengals should be another start in Seattle

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mason Rudolph didn’t get ahead of himself. So while the Pittsburgh Steelers longtime backup quarterback soaked in a dominant 34-11 win over Cincinnati on Saturday night in which he served not as a “freeloader” but a difference-maker while throwing for 290 yards and two long touchdowns, he made it a point not to peek into the future next …

1 year ago

Steelers LB Myles Jack active for first time since being lured out of retirement. Rudolph starts

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Myles Jack’s “retirement” is officially over. The veteran inside linebacker is active for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday for the first time since the club lured him out of retirement a month ago. Pittsburgh star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also is out with a knee injury while Elijah Riley returns after a month on injured reserve. The Steelers also …

1 year ago

Steelers turning to Mason Rudolph at QB in hopes of giving sputtering offense a needed spark

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Mason Rudolph at quarterback in hopes of salvaging their season. Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Rudolph, a six-year veteran who hasn’t started a meaningful game since 2021, will start on Saturday against Cincinnati if Kenny Pickett’s surgically repaired right ankle isn’t healthy in time. He’s played sparingly over the past four …

1 year ago

Mike Tomlin promises to make changes after benching Mitch Trubisky in Steelers’ loss to Colts

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Tomlin is tired of losing. Tomlin didn’t provide specifics in the immediate aftermath of another dismal offensive performance, but it looks like Pittsburgh could have a new starting quarterback next week at Cincinnati. We’re not going to roll the ball out next week like we did today.” The simplest solution might be the return of quarterback Kenny …

1 year, 1 month ago

Mitch Trubisky thinks he can still be a starting quarterback. His next chance begins Thursday

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mitch Trubisky insists he’s too worried about the New England Patriots to think about how the next few weeks might affect the arc of his career. Asked if he feels as if the next month is an audition of sorts — be it in Pittsburgh, or elsewhere — Trubisky simply shrugged and said repeatedly he’s simply “excited” for …

1 year, 1 month ago

DeFabo: For Steelers and Kenny Pickett, 2023 is already a failure, no matter how it ends

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Patriots vs Steelers on Thursday Night Football. PITTSBURGH — On Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered one of the most embarrassing losses of the Mike Tomlin era, Pittsburgh’s head coach delivered some mixed injury news. Quarterback Kenny Pickett aggravated his ankle injury when diving for the goal line in …

1 year, 1 month ago

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a high right ankle sprain

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to try and move on after a nightmarish loss to Arizona without quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a high right ankle sprain on Monday. Pickett had been “managing” the injury recently according to Tomlin only to have it aggravated in the second quarter on Sunday when …

1 year, 1 month ago

Kenny Pickett’s injury adds another concern for an offense searching for answers

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett writhed in pain on the turf at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Cam Heyward strongly disagreed with the notion that the Steelers may have overlooked the two-win Cardinals pic.twitter.com/jsuBlRC2ej — Mike DeFabo December 3, 2023 However, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren said he felt the Steelers took the Cardinals “lightly.” “I think we expected to win instead …

1 year, 1 month ago

James Conner scores twice against his old team, Kenny Pickett hurt as Cardinals beat Steelers 24-10

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Forced to endure an unexpected “second halftime” after the skies opened up around Acrisure Stadium in the third quarter on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals retreated to the locker room and tried to stay loose. Fitting on a day when Kyler Murray, James Conner and company made all the right moves in an emphatic 24-10 victory over the listless …

1 year, 1 month ago

How Steelers coaches put their fingerprints on the offense with Matt Canada gone

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — When the Pittsburgh Steelers broke from tradition and fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada in-season, it was fair to wonder how much the offense could realistically evolve in one week. “But that’s football.” GO DEEPER Without Matt Canada, Steelers' Kenny Pickett looked like a different QB. It’s probably too early to celebrate, especially because the Bengals’ defense allows an …

1 year, 1 month ago

Steelers pile up season-high 421 yards without Canada, beat Burrow-less Bengals 16-10

Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Days after firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the Pittsburgh Steelers showed new life on offense. Kenny Pickett threw for a season-high 278 yards and the Steelers outlasted the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals 16-10 on Sunday. In their first game since Canada’s dismissal — the franchise’s first in-season coordinator or head coach change since 1941 — the Steelers totaled …

1 year, 2 months ago

Kenny Pickett is eyeing consistency as Steelers’ homestand ends with a visit from Packers

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Kenny Pickett the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted — the swaggy, sublimely confident and ultra-competitive quarterback who practically willed the University of Pittsburgh to an ACC title two years ago — is not always the Kenny Pickett that takes the field. “He’s awesome in the fourth quarter,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. PICKENS’ PLIGHT Steelers wide receiver George Pickens …

1 year, 2 months ago

Outgained and outplayed but typically not outscored, the Steelers are somehow in the mix in the AFC

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Technically, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t getting it done with smoke and mirrors. Yet the Steelers find themselves at 5-3 anyway as the season nears the midway point after Thursday night’s 20-16 victory over Tennessee which had all the hallmarks of so many other wins in recent memory. And we’re close to getting where we want to get to.” …

1 year, 2 months ago

Pickett hits Johnson for late touchdown as the Steelers slip past Levis, Titans 20-16

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers know their margin for error is impossibly thin. Kenny Pickett threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson with 4:02 to go and Pittsburgh’s defense turned away Tennessee rookie quarterback Will Levis twice in the final minutes as the Steelers rallied for a 20-16 victory on Thursday night. We all are confident in each other.” …

1 year, 2 months ago

Steelers’ Kenny Pickett (ribs) says he’ll play vs. Titans on Thursday

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Steelers vs. Titans on Thursday Night Football Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett said Tuesday he will be “playing for sure” against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night despite a ribs injury. — Mark Kaboly, senior Steelers writer What they’re saying Pickett said he threw “lightly” during a walkthrough tempo practice Tuesday. “Door’s definitively ajar …

1 year, 2 months ago

Steelers leaving door 'ajar' for QB Kenny Pickett to play against Titans. Safety Fitzpatrick out

News 18

PITTSBURGH: Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is leaving the door “ajar” for Kenny Pickett to play on Thursday when Tennessee visits Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left Sunday’s 20-10 loss to Jacksonville late in the second quarter with a rib injury. The Steelers defense forced three turnovers and bent but rarely broke against the Jaguars with Fitzpatrick on the sideline, though the …

1 year, 2 months ago

Steelers injuries: Kenny Pickett a ‘game-time decision’ vs. Titans; Minkah Fitzpatrick out

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Steelers vs. Titans on Thursday Night Football Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will be considered a “game-time decision” against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday after suffering a rib injury on Sunday, coach Mike Tomlin said Monday. He said it’s not just a matter of whether Pickett is medically cleared, but whether he can throw …

1 year, 3 months ago

The Steelers are winning in spite of the offense. At some point, they’ll need to win because of it

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett can talk about the noise — no matter where it comes from — and the need to drown it out. And while they eventually morphed into some form of almost bewildered “how did that happen” euphoria after the Steelers pulled out a 17-10 victory in which the Ravens played a willing accomplice, five games into a …

1 year, 3 months ago

Pickett hits Pickens for late touchdown as Steelers rally to stun mistake-prone Ravens 17-10

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin spent a portion of the week showing the Pittsburgh Steelers clips of their longtime rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens. Until, that is, the end, when a precocious play by a rookie whose father knows a thing or two about beating the Ravens led to a pair of throws that erased 56 minutes of offensive ineptitude, the …

1 year, 3 months ago

Kenny Pickett passes for 2 touchdowns as Pittsburgh Steelers top Las Vegas Raiders 23-18

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Even picking up first downs was a challenge for Pittsburgh’s offense in the first two games, so much so that fans loudly chanted for a change in the offensive coordinator. All is not settled after the Steelers’ 23-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night, but Kenny Pickett said it was something to build upon …

1 year, 4 months ago

Steelers’ Pickett began his rookie season avoiding spotlight. Entering Year 2, it’s shining on him.

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — A year ago, Kenny Pickett was a backup quarterback desperately trying to stay out of the way. “Kenny has that ‘it’,” left tackle Dan Moore Jr. said. “You either have ‘it’ or you don’t.” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi saw that ‘it’ almost immediately after Pickett signed with the Panthers seven years ago in college. But he’s not afraid …

1 year, 4 months ago

NFL draft classmates Purdy and Pickett begin second season with lofty goals as 49ers meet Steelers

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy crossed paths during the run-up to the 2022 NFL draft. Purdy will run onto the Acrisure Stadium turf as a team captain, heady territory for a player who was inactive for San Francisco’s opener a year ago. “We’re definitely confident and way ahead of where we were a year ago and I think …

1 year, 4 months ago

Kenny Pickett is hoping for a major step forward in Year 2. The Steelers are counting on it.

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH STEELERS EXPECTATIONS: QB Kenny Pickett’s solid if not always spectacular finish to his rookie season reinforced to the Steelers that they made the right call when they took him in the first round of the 2022 draft. NEW FACES: CB Patrick Peterson, LB Cole Holcomb, LB Elandon Roberts, G Isaac Seumalo, LT Broderick Jones, CB Joey Porter Jr., TE …

1 year, 4 months ago

Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ starters cap an impressive preseason in a win over the Falcons

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Mike Tomlin didn’t waver in his decision to play quarterback Kenny Pickett and other Pittsburgh starters even when Atlanta coach Arthur Smith countered with his backups. Pickett led two touchdown drives and showed he and the Pittsburgh starters are ready for real games as the Steelers overpowered the Falcons 24-0 on Thursday night in the final preseason game …

1 year, 4 months ago

Kenny Pickett caps perfect preseason, and more from Steelers’ rout of Falcons

New York Times

If you’re looking for one word to sum up Kenny Pickett’s preseason, “perfect” is a good place to start. “We went 2-for-2 with touchdowns, so that’s always a good sign.” During the Steelers’ opening series, Pickett marched the offense 92 yards in just eight plays thanks in large part to a pair of deep shots. On Pickett’s second — and …

1 year, 4 months ago

Steelers display big-play ability as Pickett, Warren shine in 27-15 preseason victory over Bills

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent all of the spring and most of the summer talking about building an offense capable of big plays, the kind they’ve been lacking for large swaths of the past few seasons. Jaylen Warren sprinted practically untouched for a 62-yard score, Pickett delivered a perfect 25-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers breezed past …

1 year, 5 months ago

Kenny Pickett’s ‘talent is limited,’ or so experts say. Does he have a low ceiling?

New York Times

LATROBE, Pa. — When Kenny Pickett was going through the draft process a little more than a year ago, he was said to be the most NFL-ready of any of the quarterback prospects. A year later — following four game-winning drives for the Pittsburgh Steelers, including in back-to-back must-win situations against the Raiders and Ravens, and a 6-1 record in …

1 year, 5 months ago

Steelers observations: Patrick Peterson the Swiss Army knife, Connor Heyward impressing

New York Times

LATROBE, Pa. — When Patrick Peterson arrived at Saint Vincent College, he said two things that stood out: “I honestly believe you’re going to see me a little bit of everywhere.” “I just want to thank Coach Tomlin for allowing me to be a ballplayer, not just a cornerback.” Tomlin has been true to his word to Peterson through the …

1 year, 5 months ago

Kenny Pickett has won every Steeler over entering Year 2: ‘Everybody loves Kenny’

New York Times

LATROBE, Pa. — Sure, the four game-winning drives as a rookie had something to do with it, but many quarterbacks have done that before. Kenny Pickett rolling into camp in Latrobe pic.twitter.com/J5NiuqgE87 — Mike DeFabo July 26, 2023 Unlike last year, when he was buried on the preseason depth chart behind Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, Pickett has an unusual …

1 year, 5 months ago

Steelers begin 2023 with Kenny Pickett firmly entrenched at QB but plenty of questions elsewhere

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH STEELERS CAMP SITE: Latrobe, Pennsylvania KEY ADDITIONS: DB Patrick Peterson, G Isaac Seumalo, LB Cole Holcomb, OL Nate Herbig, LB Elandon Roberts, S Keanu Neal, OT Broderick Jones, LB Nick Herbig, CB Joey Porter Jr., TE Darnell Washington, DL Keeanu Benton. KEY LOSSES: S Terrell Edmunds, LB Devin Bush, LB Rob Spillane, CB Cam Sutton, LB Malik Reed, OL …

1 year, 6 months ago

Steelers love Kenny Pickett, but will they open up the offense? Matt Canada says no

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — Over the past four weeks of OTAs and minicamps, pretty much everybody on the offensive side of the ball spoke glowingly of Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett’s development after his first full offseason in the program. The plan was put together by the owner, head coach and general manager and handed to the maligned offensive coordinator with simple instructions: …

1 year, 7 months ago

Steelers OTAs: Kenny Pickett’s development, Matt Canada’s tweaks, LT battle

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — “I’m undefeated, so things are good.” Mike Tomlin stuck his head in general manager Omar Khan’s interview inside his office at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday and unleashed one of his favorite sayings. His offenses haven’t quite lit it up in his two years as coordinator, even though you can make …

1 year, 8 months ago

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft picks 2023: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Browns vs. Steelers on Monday Night Football. It’s the first time the Steelers have taken an offensive tackle in the first round since Jamain Stephens 1996, and the trade leaves Pittsburgh with no picks between No. — Diante Lee Dane Brugler’s analysis A former basketball player, Jones displays outstanding feet, coordination and recovery skills …

1 year, 8 months ago

Steelers draft Broderick Jones: Why they traded up and how the Georgia OT fits

New York Times

NFL Draft 2023 tracker: Live blog and pick-by-pick analysis With his first pick as Steelers GM, Omar Khan put his negotiating skills to work and added some protection for Kenny Pickett when he moved up to select the Georgia offensive tackle. Jones comes close to losing his balance more often than you’d like to see, but there is no doubting …

1 year, 9 months ago

Steelers mailbag: Where would Kenny Pickett rank in this year’s class of QBs?

New York Times

Welcome back to Mike DeFabo’s mailbag. One way or another, the Steelers need to find a reliable third edge rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, especially given Watt’s injury history and the way the defense looked like a shell of itself without the former Defensive Player of the Year wreaking havoc. Steelers GM Omar Khan already dealt one of …

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1 day, 15 hours ago