Kenny Pickett, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, claims that the coaching staff felt he wasn’t prepared to play against Seattle, which is why he didn’t participate in the team’s 30-20 victory.
The second-year player, who underwent surgery on his right ankle a month ago, refuted rumors circulating on the internet that he expressed to the coaching staff his desire to not play behind Mason Rudolph.
Despite being given the all-clear to play by the medical staff, coach Mike Tomlin decided to keep Pickett out of the game on Monday due to his lack of practice reps. Prior to the game, Pickett was deemed “questionable,” yet he nevertheless sweated while watching Rudolph lead an offensive that amassed 468 yards.
Tomlin decided to stay with Rudolph ahead of the Steelers’ (9-7) trip to Baltimore on Saturday, when they will attempt to defeat the AFC North champion Ravens (13-3) in order to maintain their prospects of making the playoffs. Pickett is anticipated to serve as backup. Although he stated that he wanted the ball because he is a competitor, he also acknowledged that Rudolph deserves the chance to build on two strong games against Cincinnati and Seattle that have preserved Pittsburgh’s postseason aspirations.
Mason performed well once he entered the room, according to Pickett. “After all that Mason has accomplished and everything our team has been working on, I have the utmost respect for him.” My role as the backup has changed now that I’m well. Be prepared to go if something happens or if he falls, and keep helping him the way I have.
Pickett stated that he is not prepared to consider the play Rudolph’s potential long-term effects. Rudolph will become a free agency in March, but Pickett has a deal that is good for at least two more seasons.
“It’s been so day by day, week by week,” Pickett remarked, emphasizing that he gets along well with Mitch Trubisky and Rudolph. “When the time comes, we’ll figure that out.”