The Pittsburgh Steelers caused a stir when rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was initially placed as the third quarterback on their depth chart.
It’s understandable to have him behind Mitchell Trubisky, who has shown enough to take over for Ben Roethlisberger.
But putting him behind Mason Rudolph was a concern, especially because the former Pitt Panther had a stronger preseason.
As Pickett generated solid numbers throughout those three games, Rudolph failed to deliver during their final preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
However, Steelers Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauten corrected the mistake by sharing this tweet wherein Pickett is behind Trubisky on the depth chart.
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport has more details regarding the decision.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin names Mitch Trubisky the starting QB, saying, “We're really comfortable with what Mitch has shown us.”
As for rookie Kenny Pickett, he said, “I'm really pleased with the growth and development of Kenny. That's why he's listed as QB2.”— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2022
Rapoport shared, “#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin names Mitch Trubisky the starting QB, saying, ‘We’re really comfortable with what Mitch has shown us.’ As for rookie Kenny Pickett, he said, ‘I’m really pleased with the growth and development of Kenny. That’s why he’s listed as QB2.'”
Despite issues with his hand size, the Steelers felt that Pickett could be their next franchise quarterback by selecting him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He eventually became the only play-caller selected in the first round, and the next quarterback, Desmond Ridder, was selected in round three.
Poise From Pickett
Pickett signed a four-year, $14 million contract to officially join the Steelers.
But as training camp started, he played as if he had been playing in the NFL for quite a while.
Aside from positive feedback at camp, he also displayed his talent during the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite limited playing time, he completed 13 passes out of 15 attempts for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
One of those scores was the game-winning pass to Tyler Vaughns with three seconds left.
That composure could help Pickett if Tomlin calls for his number.
NEXT: The Steelers Have Already Promoted Kenny Pickett