It was never likely that Kenny Pickett would take the field on Saturday, less than three weeks removed from high ankle surgery, but Mike Tomlin officially ruled Pickett out today, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Pickett practiced on Tuesday for the first time since surgery and was bumped up to second team in Wednesday’s practice ahead of Mitch Trubisky and Trace McSorley, but they must’ve seen something they didn’t like today.
Tomlin named Mason Rudolph the starter on Monday, but said Pickett playing was “not out of the question.”
Pickett exited Pittsburgh’s Week 13 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and underwent surgery the following day. It was initially reported that he’d miss four games, which could bring him back for the team’s season finale in Baltimore versus the Ravens.
With the Steelers all but eliminated from playoff contention, there’s no point in Pickett playing at all again this season.
Mike Tomlin officially ruled out QB Kenny Pickett for Saturday’s game vs. Cincinnati. Steelers’ QB Mason Rudolph officially starts.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2023
