In a setback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Kenny Pickett is set to miss multiple weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, prompting a surgical procedure to expedite the healing process. Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the news, ruling Pickett out for the upcoming Thursday night game against the Patriots but assuring that the surgery won’t sideline him for the entire season.
Following the injury during the Steelers’ loss to the Cardinals, Pickett left the field late in the first half and did not return. Despite concerns about his ankle discomfort from the previous week, Pickett walked off under his own power before opting for surgery. His absence creates a quarterback dilemma for the Steelers, who are signing Trace McSorley to the practice squad in response.
Mitch Trubisky, who stepped in for Pickett during Sunday’s game, will assume the starting role in the upcoming matches. Trubisky’s relief performance showcased promise, going 11 of 17 for 117 yards with a touchdown pass. However, the offense faced challenges, scoring only one touchdown and dealing with a costly turnover following a fumble by Trubisky on a low snap.
With crucial upcoming games against the Patriots, Colts, Bengals, and Seahawks, the Steelers aim to navigate the quarterback transition effectively to maintain their standing in the AFC playoff race.
The Thursday night matchup against the Patriots holds particular significance for Pittsburgh, adding pressure to secure a win in Pickett’s absence. As the team faces this unexpected hurdle, the resilience of their quarterback lineup and the overall offensive performance will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
