Kenny Pickett returned to practice on a limited basis today, his first since injuring his ankle in Week 13. Pickett underwent surgery to repair the high ankle sprain on Dec. 4.
Pickett has been pushing to get back on the field, and while Mason Rudolph is expected to start, the light is still on for the second-year quarterback.
“It’s our intention as we sit here today to get Mason Rudolph an opportunity to start,” Tomlin said in his Monday press conference. “He’s a veteran guy. He’s a backup, but he’s also a veteran guy. He’s been in our program a long time. He’s here for those reasons. We got a great deal of comfort with him.”
With Mitch Trubisky benched, Rudolph took first-team reps at today’s practice.
“I just had a conversation with Kenny. He had a really good rehab today. His availability is not out of the question this week. But the front part of the week, our attention and emphasis will be on Mason Rudolph, and we’ll leave the door ajar and see how Kenny responds to the work that he did today, the limited work that we’re probably going to give him (Tuesday) and again establish sort of position in terms of a pecking order.”
What does Tomlin need to see from Pickett this week to give him a helmet? Effective movement and self-protection — since the line hasn’t helped much in that aspect.
“First of all, the medical experts lead the charge in that regard in terms of medical clearance and then it’s just overall effectiveness. First and foremost, his ability to move and protect himself. Secondly, his effectiveness in terms of movement, his ability to ad-lib, etc.”
Pickett’s struggled to move and protect himself even when healthy, so it’s doubtful he will see the field this weekend.
