Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett sustained an ankle injury, forcing him out of the game in Sunday’s 24-10 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike Tomlin, post-game, provided no details regarding the specifics of Pickett’s second-year QB injury.
Pickett injured his ankle in the second quarter while scrambling for a 2-yard gain near the goal line. Following the setback, veteran Mitchell Trubisky took over for Pittsburgh, handling the next snap with a fourth-and-goal handoff that yielded no gain. At the time of Pickett’s departure, the game was tied at 3-3. He had completed 7 of 10 passes for 70 yards.
Initially labeled as questionable to return, Pickett was ultimately ruled out before the commencement of the third quarter. This decision left Trubisky at the helm for Pittsburgh, navigating through multiple weather delays. Despite Trubisky’s efforts, the Steelers managed only one additional score in Pickett’s absence. Meanwhile, the Cardinals capitalized, scoring three touchdowns to secure their third win of the season, dealing a setback to Pittsburgh’s playoff aspirations with a 7-5 record.
Trubisky concluded the game 11 of 17 for 117 yards and a touchdown pass. With a rapid turnaround to face the New England Patriots on Thursday night, Tomlin informed reporters that the team would stick with Trubisky if Pickett is unable to recover in time to assume the starting role.