Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was inactive for Sunday's game against the Seahawks despite undergoing medical evaluation following ankle surgery, a local radio host said. claims that New Jersey native Kenny Pickett was never intended to be Mason Rudolph's backup or emergency third-quarter quarterback.
“I just heard that Pickett refused backup 100 percent. The Steelers' writers know that and won't write it,” says Mark Madden of Pittsburgh's 105.9. I wrote to X on monday.
Pickett disputed that claim Tuesday.
“I've seen reports that attack my character and who I am as a person without even getting into the player's shoes,” Pickett said. told reporters. “This week, there was no talk of me being the backup quarterback in that there were two. If I'm healthy enough to play and the trainers and coaches are willing to let me look good enough to play, If I felt good, I was going to start and play. If they believed I wasn't, they believed I wasn't, I wasn't going to dress up for the game or play. , I had no intention of wearing a suit.
“It's kind of crazy when people write and put things out there that try to prove their point or help your position or your career in what you guys do. No evidence, no basis. I was disappointed when I saw that there wasn’t one.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Pickett, who was limited in practice before the Seahawks game, was inactive due to Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky's increased reps.
Tomlin said Rudolph will remain the starter in Saturday's must-win final game of the season against the Ravens.
Athletic Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly expressed doubts about Pickett's status against the Seahawks, although not as much as Madden.
“K.P. [Kenny Pickett] I didn't wear any clothes yesterday for health reasons, but 12 hours later I'm fine and my health is fine,'' Kaboly said. I wrote to X.
Kaboly was also asked about Pickett's situation. Appearing on 93.7 The Fan on Mondays.
“I suspect he is not wearing clothes.'' [Sunday]” Kaboly said. “That might be the only way I can say it right now. I'm very, very skeptical that it was 100 percent Mike Tomlin's decision that Kenny Pickett didn't wear clothes. [Sunday.]”
Pickett, 25, last played on Dec. 3 against the Cardinals. After missing the losses against the Patriots and Colts and the win against the Bengals, he was inactive again in Seattle.
Trubisky drew starts in losses to New England and Indianapolis, and Tomlin turned to Rudolph, who led Pittsburgh (9-7) to its second straight win.
Rudolph, 28, has completed 68.5 percent of his passes this year with 567 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions over two games.
Pickett appeared in 12 games, throwing for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions for a 62 completion percentage.
In addition to a win in Baltimore, the Steelers need help to make the playoffs, and the Ravens have the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so they could rest some players.
A combination of a win, a Bills loss, a Jaguars loss or tie, or a Colts-Texans tie could send Pittsburgh into the postseason.
If the Steelers are tied, the Jaguars lose, and the Colts-Texans game is not a tie, they will be eligible to play.
If the Jaguars lose and the Broncos win, and if the Colts-Texans game doesn't end in a tie, the Steelers will also be in the game.
