Kenny Pickett threw between the numbers on 54.5% of his attempts in Wk 12 | Wks 1-11: 41.3% (lowest in NFL)

Starts week with full practice

Pickett (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Mark Kaboly of The Athletic on Tuesday that Pickett's practice participation might be limited this week as Pittsburgh prepares for a home game against the Cardinals this weekend. Pickett ended up being a full participant for the Steelers' first Week 13 session, and while it's possible his mobility is affected by the ankle issue, there's no concern about the signal-caller missing an upcoming matchup with one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

Managing ankle discomfort

Pickett is dealing with ankle soreness and could have his practice participation limited during Week 13 prep, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Head coach Mike Tomlin didn't seem concerned Tuesday about Pickett's availability for a Week 13 contest against the Cardinals, but the signal-caller still looks like he could be at risk of missing out on some reps when the Steelers hold their first practice of the week Wednesday. In his first game this past Sunday working with a new offensive coordinator (Eddie Faulkner) and play-caller (Mike Sullivan), Pickett turned in a quality performance in the Steelers' 16-10 win over the Bengals,…read more

Shows improvement under new OC

Pickett completed 24 of 33 passes for 278 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 16-10 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Pickett showed signs of improvement in his first game after offensive coordinator Matt Canada was fired. Most significantly, Pickett completed passes over the middle of the field to Pat Freiermuth, a piece of the offense that had been missing prior to Sunday's performance. At least in part, that led to a season-best yardage total, with the only blemish being that Pickett failed to record a passing score. Despite the noted improvement, Pickett has just six passing touchdowns in 11 games -- only…read more

Dominated by Cleveland

Pickett completed 15 of 28 passes for 106 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Browns.

Analysis: The Steelers deployed a relatively heavy rushing attack to take some burden off Pickett in a tough matchup, but he was dreadful when called upon. He averaged an abysmal 3.8 yards per attempt, and his longest completion went for only 14 yards. That left Pittsburgh unable to sustain drives, with its only touchdown coming on a 74-yard run by Jaylen Warren. Pickett has thrown for multiple touchdowns just once this season and has failed to top 160 pass yards in each of his last four games.

Limited output in win

Pickett completed 14 of 23 passes for 126 yards in Sunday's 23-19 win over the Packers. He also rushed four times for 16 yards.

Analysis: Pickett's production through the air was similar to his new average of merely 120 yards over his last three outings. However, with the Steelers rushing for 205 yards Sunday, his muted impact was enough to help Pittsburgh to another narrow victory. Although he has now gone five straight games without an interception, Pickett's two passing touchdowns over that span evidence his very mild stock.

Leads game-winning drive Thursday

Pickett completed 19 of 30 passes for 160 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and added one carry for minus-1 yard in the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday night.

Analysis: Pickett remained free of both turnovers and sacks, but he put together his second sub-200-yard performance in a non-injury-shortened game this season. However, the second-year signal-caller did come up big when it mattered most, leading an 11-play, 92-yard fourth-quarter drive that he capped off with a three-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson that proved to be the game-winning score. Pickett had also completed a 32-yard strike to Johnson down the right side earlier in the drive, and he…read more

Set to face Titans

Pickett (ribs) was listed as a full participant for Wednesday's practice and doesn't carry an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Titans, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett, who was forced out of this past Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Jaguars due to a rib injury, previously stated that he planned to play Thursday. His availability for Week 9 has now been confirmed upon the release of Wednesday's injury report. Now that Pickett's availability has been confirmed, he'll be working with a fully healthy wideout corps that includes Diontae Johnson, who logged 14 targets Week 8 in his second game back from a stint on injured reserve.

Reps capped at practice Tuesday

Pickett (ribs) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice.

Analysis: According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, the Steelers held more of a walk-through session than a traditional practice Tuesday, and Pickett was spotted doing some light throwing in the portion of the workout that was open to the media. After injuring his ribs and exiting this past Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, Pickett and the Steelers face a quick turnaround Week 9 with a Thursday night game against the Titans. Despite having limited time to heal from the injury, Pickett said Tuesday that he…read more

Plans to play Thursday

Pickett (ribs) said Tuesday that he intends to play in Thursday's game against the Titans, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Pickett opened Week 9 with a limited listing on Monday's estimated practice report, and he relayed one day later that he did some light throwing in what was yet another walk-through session. He thus appears poised to be listed as a limited participant once again, which will be confirmed when the Steelers post their next injury report later Tuesday.

Limited on practice estimate

Pickett (ribs) was listed as limited on the Steelers' estimated practice report Monday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett made an early departure from Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Jaguars due to a hard hit that he endured late in the second quarter. He suffered a rib injury as a result, but even with Pittsburgh preparing to host the Titans on a short week Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that "the door is definitively ajar" for Pickett to be available this week. Pickett is considered a "game-time type decision," so his status will be one to monitor closely as Thursday's game draws closer. Mitch…read more

Game-time decision for Week 9

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that he's viewing Pickett (ribs) as a game-time decision for Thursday's contest against the Titans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Pickett was forced out of Sunday's 20-10 loss to Jacksonville due to a rib injury, but Tomlin confirms he didn't sustain any structural damage. Tomlin said he will "leave the door ajar" for Pickett to play Thursday, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but that the decision will come down to the quarterback's "ability to throw and his comfort." Mitch Trubisky would be in line to start under center in the event that Pickett isn't able to play with a short window for recovery.

Done for day with rib injury

Pickett has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jaguars due to a rib injury.

Analysis: Pickett sustained the injury when he took a hard hit late in the second quarter and headed to the locker room, but he had been expected to return to the game for the second half, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. However, Mitch Trubisky remained the team's quarterback for the first possession of the third quarter, and after further deliberation, Pittsburgh has chosen to hold Pickett out for the rest of the game. Pickett will finish the Week 8 contest with 10 completions on 16 attempts for…read more

Solid numbers in Week 7 win

Pickett completed 17 of 25 passes for 230 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and netted zero yards and a touchdown on eight rushes in the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Pickett completed a season-best 68.0 percent of his passes while hitting the 230-yard mark for the third time in the first six contests. The second-year signal-caller also stayed interception-free for the second straight game and third time in the last four contests overall, and his one-yard rushing touchdown early in the third quarter erased a 9-3 deficit while also serving as his first score on the ground since Week 10 of last season. Pickett's next opportunity to build on what may have been…read more

Manages Steelers to victory

Pickett completed 18 of 32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Ravens.

Analysis: Pickett was surprisingly able to suit up after suffering a knee injury in Week 4, and he delivered one of his better performances of the season. In addition to averaging 7.0 yards per attempt, he also managed to not turn the ball over for the second time in five games on the campaign. The highlight of his day came with just over one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, when he delivered a 41-yard touchdown pass deep down the right sideline to George Pickens. Even given the relatively…read more

Set to face Ravens

Pickett (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: Pickett approached the game without an injury designation after being listed as a full practice participant Thursday and Friday, and it's been confirmed that the QB will play through a bone bruise in his knee that he sustained during Week 4 action. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Pickett began the practice week working with a knee brace but shed that by Thursday. That said, the QB's mobility could be limited to some degree Sunday, with Garafolo suggesting that the Steelers could look to…read more

Good to go Sunday

Pickett (knee) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Ravens, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett logged full practices both Thursday and Friday, which set the stage for the quarterback -- who sustained a bone bruise in his left knee last week, per Brook Pryor of ESPN.com -- to start Sunday's contest against division rival Baltimore. While Pickett will be available this weekend, top tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) has been ruled out, and with wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) on injured reserve, the Steelers' top receiving options Week 5 are likely to be wideouts George…read more

Practices fully Thursday

Pickett (knee) was a full practice participant Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett was a limited participant in the Steelers' first Week 5 practice Wednesday after missing the final quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Texans, but the quarterback's return to a full session Thursday puts him on track to play through a bone bruise in his left knee this Sunday against the Ravens. Barring any setbacks at practice Friday, Pickett seems destined to head into the weekend without an injury designation.

Limited at practice

Pickett (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Pickett sustained a bone bruise to his left knee during this past Sunday's loss to the Texans, but he said Wednesday that he anticipates playing against the Ravens this weekend. An upgrade to full practice participation Thursday or Friday would confirm Pickett is good to go for Sunday, while a setback or downgrade in practice activity would open the door for Mitch Trubisky to make his first start of the season. Pickett's poor performance through the Steelers' first four games suggests Trubisky…read more

Believes he'll play Sunday

Pickett (knee), who took part in practice Wednesday, said that he expects to be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: The Steelers will release their first Week 5 practice report later Wednesday and reveal the extent of Pickett's involvement in the session, but at this stage, the second-year quarterback looks like he'll be able to play through the bone bruise in his left knee. Per Lolley, Pickett sported a brace on his knee during Wednesday's session, but he was wearing the accessory as a precautionary measure.

Expected to practice Wednesday

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett (knee) is scheduled to practice in some capacity Wednesday, and the Steelers will wait and see how the quarterback fares during the week before deciding on his status for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: Tomlin confirmed that Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee, an injury that may affect the signal-caller's comfort and mobility in the pocket. The diagnosis is probably a best-case scenario for the second-year quarterback, who was fortunate to avoid ligament damage in this past Sunday's loss to the Texans. Based on Tomlin's comments, Pickett looks poised to open Week 5 prep as a limited practice participant, but the 25-year-old could have a shot at playing this Sunday so long…read more

Dealing with bone bruise in knee

Pickett suffered a bone bruise in his knee during Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The report notes that Pickett's injury could lead to a short-term absence but adds that the door is open for the quarterback -- who also is dealing with a muscle strain -- to play this weekend against the Ravens. That said, with the Steelers on bye Week 6, the team could elect to err on the side of caution and hold Pickett out versus Baltimore. If that comes to fruition, Mitch Trubisky would start in his place Week 5.

Injury not viewed as season-ending

Pickett, who is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left knee Monday, is not believed to have suffered a season-ending injury in Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Steelers won't know the full extent of his injury until they get the results of the MRI, but the second-year quarterback appears to have avoided damage to his ACL. However, Rapoport adds that Pickett is still expected to miss some time, and the Steelers have some concern about the integrity of his MCL and meniscus. After Pickett went down with the injury late in the third quarter, Mitch Trubisky took over the offense and completed three of five pass attempts for 18 yards. Even if Pickett…read more

MRI on tap

Pickett is slated to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the left knee injury he sustained in Sunday's loss to the Texans, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Per Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site, coach Mike Tomlin noted after the contest that the QB's injury was being evaluated, but at this stage the severity of Pickett's knee issue is unclear. If he's forced to miss any time, Mitch Trubisky is next in line to handle the team's signal-caller duties, with Mason Rudolph in reserve.

Suffers knee injury Sunday

Pickett won't return to Sunday's game against the Texans after suffering a left knee injury.

Analysis: Before his exit, Pickett completed 15 of his 23 passing attempts for 114 yards and an interception while carrying twice for nine yards. Mitch Trubisky will take over at quarterback for the remainder of Sunday's contest and possibly beyond if Pickett's knee injury ends up being anything other than a minor issue.

Improved play on MNF

Pickett completed 16 of 28 pass attempts for 235 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11 rushing yards on three attempts in Sunday's 23-18 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Pickett fared much better on Sunday Night Football than he did in a sloppy primetime win this past Monday. The second-year starter took care of the football without losing confidence in his deep ball, completing a touchdown of over 70 yards for the second week in a row. Pickett will have to continue showing progress to become a hot commodity in fantasy, but this was a step in the right direction after struggling in his previous two starts (albeit against two tough defenses). Pickett will look…read more

Inefficient in MNF win

Pickett completed 15 of 30 pass attempts for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Monday's 26-22 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Pickett struggled with consistency for the second game in a row, leaving him with just two touchdowns to three interceptions to start the season. In the second-year starter's defense, he has gone up against two of the league's best pass rushers in Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett. The 25-year-old did appear to be favoring his left arm after throwing his lone touchdown Monday, but he was back on the field the next time Pittsburgh's offense received the ball, according to Steelers reporter Dale…read more

Lackluster in 2023 debut

Pickett completed 31 of 46 pass attempts for 232 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions while rushing once for four yards during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: Pickett looked sharp during the preseason, but the Steelers' offense had trouble against San Francisco's stingy defense during the regular-season opener. The 24-year-old's preseason results still fuel optimism for the second-year pro in 2023 following an up-and-down rookie season, but it was discouraging to see him held in check in Week 1. The Steelers have a Week 2 matchup against a Browns defense that managed to stifle Joe Burrow in the regular-season opener, so Pickett will face another…read more

Shines in preseason again

Pickett completed all four of his passes for 86 yards in Thursday's preseason game in Atlanta.

Analysis: Pickett played two drives in each of Pittsburgh's three preseason games and completed 13 of 15 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He did a lot of that damage against backups, especially Thursday in Atlanta, but it's nonetheless promising that he was so accurate throughout August and displayed good chemistry with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson (both of whom had catches of 30-plus yards). Those two and TE Pat Freiermuth are the favorites to pile up targets from Pickett in a Week 1 home…read more

Likely playing Thursday

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Pickett and most of Pittsburgh's other starters are likely to play in Thursday's preseason game against Atlanta, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official website reports.

Analysis: It's a bit surprising given that Pickett and the starters played in the first two games and did quite well, with the QB completing nine of 11 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Tomlin did say that his older starters and elite players likely will be held out, which probably means we'll see a lot of starters on offense and a lot of backups on defense.

Another sharp dress rehearsal

Pickett completed three of four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 27-15 preseason victory over the Bills on Saturday.

Analysis: Pickett led two drives, though that resulted in only seven total plays. Despite the limited exposure, he impressed with a 25-yard touchdown down the middle of the field to Pat Freiermuth. Pickett also connected with George Pickens and Allen Robinson on the day, a bulk of his projected primary targets come the regular season. He's now turned in two strong preseason appearances ahead of his second professional campaign.

Looks sharp with starters

Pickett started Friday's preseason opener and logged one offensive drive, completing six of seven pass attempts for 70 yards and a touchdown in a 27-17 exhibition win over Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Pickett looked to prove the early camp reports of his improved ability to make quick reads from the pocket following a bumpy rookie season. The 2022 first-round pick appeared to be in control of the first unit, dialing up four different receivers before ending the drive with a 33-yard touchdown strike to starting wideout George Pickens. If Pickett can carry this momentum into the regular season, we could see him post some gaudy numbers with the Steelers' talented cast of targets.

Starting preseason opener

Pickett will start Friday's preseason contest against the Buccaneers, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Pickett has reportedly showcased an improved ability to read the field early in training camp, and he'll look to carry over that success into preseason action Friday. The second-year quarterback is coming off a rookie season in which he threw for more than 200 passing yards in just four of 13 appearances while turning in a 7:9 TD:INT. He and the Steelers' first-team offense may only handle a series or two in Tampa Bay on Friday.

Showing improvement early in camp

Pickett has been making good reads in practice early in training camp, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Pickett had an up-and-down rookie season in 2022, completing 63.0 percent of his passes for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing 55 times for 237 yards and three touchdowns. He had some encouraging games but had some inefficient performances and topped 200 passing yards in just four of his 13 games last year. He enters the 2023 campaign as the Steelers' clear starting quarterback and has impressed during training camp, but he'll likely be somewhat limited by…read more

Inaccurate close to rookie campaign

Pickett completed 13 of 29 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 28-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Pickett entered Sunday's game with some momentum after leading game-winning drives in back-to-back weeks. However, the Pittsburgh offense was stalled early on, as Pickett began with just one completion on his first six attempts. He improved marginally from there and managed five completions of more than 20 yards for the second time in his career. While Pickett closes his rookie campaign with only seven touchdowns and nine interceptions across 13 games, his performance is trending in a positive…read more

Keeps playoff hopes alive

Pickett completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for168 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Ravens.

Analysis: Pickett didn't post gaudy fantasy totals, but he protected the ball well and produced a game-winning touchdown drive for the second consecutive week to keep Pittsburgh's playoff hopes alive. The rookie signal-caller dropped a dime to Najee Harris between two defenders with less than a minute left on the aforementioned drive to put the Steelers up for good. Pickett has had his ups and downs this season, but he is starting to look like a successful pick in a draft that wasn't considered strong at…read more

Leads comeback win

Pickett completed 26 of 39 passes for 244 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's 13-10 win over the Raiders. He added three rushes for nine yards.

Analysis: Pickett returned from a one-game absence caused by a concussion and topped 30 pass attempts for only the second time in his last six games. He averaged a subpar 6.3 yards per attempt but effectively distributed the ball to top pass-catching options such as Pat Freiermuth, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Pickett also orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, during which he completed seven of nine passes for 75 yards, which he capped with a 14-yard…read more

Out of protocol, good to go Saturday

Pickett will start Saturday's game against the Raiders after he confirmed that he was cleared by an independent neurologist Monday and removed from the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett entered the concussion protocol for the second time this season during the Steelers' Week 14 loss to the Ravens, when he exited the contest and then briefly re-entered before leaving the game for good after self-reporting symptoms of a brain injury, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The rookie signal-caller wasn't able to advance beyond limited participation in practice last week and ended up sitting out Pittsburgh's win over Carolina on Sunday, but he's been…read more

Listed as FP on Tuesday

Pickett (concussion) is listed as a full participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: While the Steelers didn't actually practice Tuesday, coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Pickett to return and start Saturday against the Raiders. Of course, the rookie will first need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol -- something that still hadn't happened as of Tuesday morning, per Tomlin.

In line to start Saturday

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he expects Pickett (concussion) to start Saturday's game against the Raiders, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Pickett entered the concussion protocol during the Steelers' Week 14 loss to the Ravens. He consequently was limited in practice last Wednesday through Friday before eventually getting ruled out Saturday for Sunday's contest at Carolina. Mitch Trubisky got the nod for Pickett in the 24-16 win, completing 17 of 22 passes for 179 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions while adding six carries for nine yards and a touchdown. Tomlin also said Tuesday that Pickett would have been a full…read more

Won't play Sunday

Pickett (concussion) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Analysis: With Pickett unavailable, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com relays that Mitch Trubisky will start at QB for the Steelers on Sunday. Pickett will target a potential return to action in Week 16 against the Raiders.

Doubtful for Week 15

Coach Mike Tomlin indicated Friday that Pickett (concussion) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Steelers plan to announce their Week 15 starting QB on Saturday, but with Pickett not likely to play this weekend, it looks like either Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph will draw the assignment.

Another limited practice

Pickett (concussion) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: The report notes that with Pickett still in the NFL's concussion protocol, fellow quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph have been logging added work at practice. If Pickett isn't cleared to play Sunday against the Panthers, it remains to be seen who would be in line to start in his place, with Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com having noted that Trubisky and Rudolph split the Steelers' first-team reps Wednesday, while Pickett went through individual drills.

Limited in first Week 15 practice

Pickett (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Though the extent of Pickett's activity in the Steelers' first Week 15 session isn't fully known, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com relays that Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky split the first-team work during the portion of practice that was open to the media. Pryor's report suggests that Pickett may have taken part mostly in individual work, but his presence on the field in any capacity at least demonstrates some level of progression through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. Since he's now in…read more

Iffy for Week 15

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Pickett remains in the concussion protocols and added that the quarterback's participation in practice this week will be critical in guiding a decision regarding his status for a Week 15 game at Carolina, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: According to Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site, Tomlin said that Pickett cleared the protocols upon initially exiting Sunday's loss to the Ravens after being sacked by Roquan Smith. However, Pickett was then re-evaluated and was deemed unable to continue. Now in the concussion protocol for the second time this season, the rookie quarterback may face an uphill battle to gain clearance for the weekend. If that's the case, Tomlin noted that the Steelers will keep both Mitch Trubisky and…read more

In concussion protocol

Pickett (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: The report confirms that Pickett is in the NFL's concussion protocol, which makes the QB's status worth monitoring closely as next Sunday's game against the Panthers approaches. In Pickett's absence, Mitch Trubisky is now handling the Steelers' Week 14 signal-caller duties.

Shows more efficiency

Pickett completed 16 of 28 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Pickett wasn't asked to do much in the win, as the Steelers ran the ball 37 times as opposed to his 28 pass attempts. As has been the case for the last few weeks, Pickett showed flashes of competency with long completions of 57, 20 and 17 yards -- the final of which was his lone touchdown of the game. Those gains also helped Pickett average 7.0 yards per attempt, the first full game in which he's broken that threshold. Despite those positives, Pickett has thrown for under 200 yards in four of…read more

Modest numbers in win over Colts

Pickett completed 20 of 28 passes for 174 yards without a touchdown or turnover in Monday's 24-17 win over the Colts. He also threw a two-point conversion and rushed six times for 32 yards.

Analysis: Pickett had George Pickens open in the end zone on third down with the Steelers looking to take a 20-3 lead late in the first half, but the rookie quarterback overthrew the rookie wide receiver, who almost made a spectacular one-handed grab to bail Pickett out. That miscue aside, Pickett looked composed and in command as the Steelers took a 16-3 halftime lead. He went quiet in the third quarter but heated up in the fourth after Pittsburgh fell behind 17-16, leading a game-winning drive that…read more

Connects with Pickens in loss

Pickett completed 25 of 42 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-30 loss to the Bengals. He added two rushing attempts for 14 yards.

Analysis: Pickett found George Pickens for a 24-yard touchdown to tie the score at 17 in the second quarter. The pair of rookies have shown good chemistry from the get-go, so Pickett-to-Pickens could be a common phrase around Pittsburgh for years to come if the rookie quarterback proves capable of holding down the starting job. Two of Pickett's three career touchdown passes have been thrown to Pickens, but those three touchdowns have been accompanied by eight interceptions, as Pickett's still learning…read more

Throws for 199 yards in win

Pickett completed 18 of 30 pass attempts for 199 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing eight times for 51 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 20-10 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Pickett was somewhat inefficient through the air during Sunday's matchup, but he propped up his fantasy production with a career-high 51 rushing yards while also reaching the end zone on the ground. The rookie first-rounder has now topped 1,000 passing yards to begin his professional career, as he's completed 66.7 percent of his pass attempts for 1,161 yards, two touchdowns and eight interceptions over his first six games with the Steelers.

Can't get going against Eagles

Pickett completed 25 of 38 passes for 191 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 35-13 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: Pickett turned in another performance filled with mistakes and inefficiency. He averaged just 5.0 yards per attempt and has yet to surpass a mark of 6.3 in any of the four games he's started this season. Pickett also threw his eighth interception of the season late in the fourth quarter with the game well out of reach. Volume may be the one positive to take away from Pickett's performance, as he has now thrown 52, 44 and 38 passes in his three full games this season. However, for that to…read more

Throws three interceptions in loss

Pickett completed 32 of 44 pass attempts for 257 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions while rushing three times for 20 yards during the Steelers' 16-10 loss to Miami on Sunday.

Analysis: Pickett sustained a concussion last week against Tampa Bay but was able to suit up after practicing in full all week. The rookie first-rounder kept the Steelers in contention for most of Sunday's primetime matchup on the road, but he threw a pair of interceptions in the closing minutes en route to the team's fifth loss of the season. It seems likely that Pickett will continue to start despite Sunday's lackluster performance, but he'll face a tough matchup against the Eagles next week prior to…read more

Clears protocol, set to start Sunday

Pickett has cleared the league's concussion protocol Friday and is on track to suit up Sunday versus the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Pickett is in line to start over Mitch Trubisky versus Miami on Sunday Night Football, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. The rookie first-round pick has managed to practice in full all week, a trend which stands to continue Friday and bodes well for him being at full speed this weekend. Pickett also will have top tight end Pat Freiermuth back from the concussion protocol for Week 7.

Full practice

Pickett (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, ESPN's Brooke Pryor reports.

Analysis: Pickett has practiced fully both Wednesday and Thursday, but it's not clear whether that indicates any particular amount of progress in clearing the league's concussion protocol. If Pickett gains clearance he would presumably start at Miami on Sunday night.

Poised for full practice

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, but the rookie quarterback has been cleared to participate fully in Wednesday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Pickett set to receive the green light to take contact three days after exiting Sunday's win over the Buccaneers to be evaluated for a concussion, only an independent neurologist clearing him stands in the way of the 24-year-old exiting the five-step protocol. Even though Mitch Trubisky came off the bench and performed efficiently to help lead the Steelers to victory, Tomlin noted that Pickett will start Week 7 in Miami if he clears the protocol.

Won't return Sunday

Pickett (concussion) won't return to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Prior to exiting the contest and being replaced by Mitch Trubisky, Pickett completed 11 of his 18 pass attempts for 67 yards and a TD. Pickett will now look to clear the NFL's concussion protocols ahead of next Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Evaluated for concussion

Pickett, who exited Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is being evaluated for a concussion, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: With Pickett forced out of the game, Mitch Trubisky has taken over at QB for the Steelers. Prior to departing the contest, Pickett completed 11 of his 18 pass attempts for 67 yards and a TD.

Headed to locker room

Pickett left Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay in the second half due to an undisclosed injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Pickett took a big hit from Devin White and immediately went to the medical tent. After a brief stint there, he was taken to the locker room. Mitch Trubisky, who started the first four games of the season for Pittsburgh, has replaced Pickett at quarterback.

Plenty of volume in first NFL start

Pickett completed 34 of 52 pass attempts for 327 yards, no touchdowns and an interception while rushing once for 10 yards during the Steelers' 38-3 loss to Buffalo on Sunday.

Analysis: The Steelers fell behind early in Sunday's matchup, so the team relied heavily on the passing game during Pickett's first professional start. Although the rookie first-rounder was unable to lead the team to the end zone, it was encouraging to see him rack up plenty of yards through the air after Mitch Trubisky averaged just 163.3 yards per game over the first four weeks of the season. In spite of the lopsided final score, it seems likely that Pickett will retain the starting job under center…read more

Overtakes Trubisky, starting Week 5

Pickett is listed as the top quarterback on Pittsburgh's Week 5 depth chart, confirming he'll make his first NFL start Sunday in Buffalo, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: As anticipated, the rookie first-round pick will supplant Mitch Trubisky as Pittsburgh's new starter after taking over for the second half of last week's 24-20 loss to the Jets. Though Pickett threw three interceptions in his NFL debut, he was at least able to provide a spark by completing 10 of 13 attempts for 120 yards to go with six carries for 15 yards and two scores, the second of which gave the Steelers a 20-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Pickett didn't showcase major rushing…read more

Expected to take over as starter

The Steelers are expected to move forward with Pickett as their starting QB, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Steelers have yet to confirm their starter for this weekend's game against the Bills, but after Pickett replaced Mitch Trubisky in Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Jets, it looks like the 2022 first-rounder is poised to get his first NFL regular-season start Sunday on the road versus the 3-1 Bills. Pickett thus is a worthy roster addition for those in need of short-term signal-caller help or who are in QB-heavy fantasy formats.

Tallies two rushing touchdowns

Pickett completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 120 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing six times for 15 yards and two scores during Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Jets.

Analysis: The Steelers' offense was inefficient during the first half of Sunday's matchup, so Pickett made his NFL debut by taking over for Mitch Trubisky following halftime. Although the rookie first-rounder threw three interceptions, he was relatively productive and reached the end zone two times with his legs. Pickett nearly led the Steelers to the comeback victory, and it certainly seems possible that the team will turn to the rookie as the starting quarterback following a 1-3 start to the season.

Replaces Trubisky in second half

Pickett took over for Mitch Trubisky to start the second half of Sunday's game against the Jets, ESPN Rich Cimini reports.

Analysis: At the time, the Jets held a 10-6 lead, while Trubisky had completed seven of 13 passes for 84 yards and an interception. It remains to be seen if this leads to Pickett starting next Sunday's game against the Bills, but a strong effort in his NFL regular-season debut would no doubt support the chances of such an outcome.

Might sit all season

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin plans to have Pickett 'sit-and-learn' all season long behind Mitch Trubisky, Fox's Jay Glazer reported on their morning preview show.

Analysis: It isn't necessarily surprising that Tomlin, who has never had a losing season, would prefer to go that route. Moreover, it's a logical statement for a head coach to make when naming a veteran as the starter - it would be unusual if Tomlin came out and said that he plans to swap quarterbacks later in the season.

Named No. 2 QB

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that Pickett will open the regular season as the team's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Mitch Trubisky, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: The Steelers created some uncertainty about Pickett's Week 1 role by listing him as the third quarterback behind Trubisky and Mason Rudolph on the depth chart the team released Monday, but Tomlin said Tuesday that Rudolph's listing ahead of Pickett was a "clerical" error, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. Pittsburgh has since updated its depth chart to list Pickett as the No. 2 option, and Tomlin noted that the rookie first-round pick will take all the backup reps in practice leading up to the Week…read more

Moves up to second on depth chart

Pickett is listed as the Steelers' No. 2 quarterback on the team's most recent Week 1 depth chart released Tuesday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Just one day earlier, the rookie first-round pick had been listed third on the depth chart behind Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, but Pickett will now flip spots with Rudolph as Sunday's season opener in Cincinnati approaches. Head coach Mike Tomlin is expected to formally name Trubisky as the team's starter later Tuesday, at which time more clarity on whether Pickett or Rudolph is the top backup should come. Pickett notably played ahead of Rudolph in the Steelers' exhibition finale and was…read more

Sits third on depth chart

Pickett is listed as Pittsburgh's No. 3 quarterback on the team's Week 1 depth chart that was released Monday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Though head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to officially announce a starting quarterback for Sunday's season opener in Cincinnati, Mitch Trubisky's placement atop the depth chart along with his usage in the preseason implies that he'll be under center for Pittsburgh in Week 1. Pickett, a rookie first-round selection, received the chance to battle for the job in the preseason and showed an accurate arm while limiting mistakes during the exhibition slate, but Trubisky's greater body of experience…read more

Still in the starting mix

Pickett came in after Mitch Trubisky in Sunday's 19-9 preseason win over the Lions, completing 10 of 14 pass attempts for 90 yards.

Analysis: Pickett came in with the second unit after Trubisky got the start as expected, but after the game head coach Mike Tomlin stated that he hadn't made a starting quarterback decision yet, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Mason Rudolph (zero passing yards on three attempts) also is in the mix, but it appears as though Trubisky and the rookie are the two frontrunners, with the former being the slight favorite based on experience. Pickett certainly has looked the part this preseason, but…read more

Makes case for starting job

Pickett completed six of seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: Pickett entered the game after Mitch Trubisky but was the more effective of the duo. The rookie first-round pick connected with each of the Steelers' starting receivers as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth for gains of 24, 17, 16 and 11 yards. Pickett also led an effective two-minute drill that ended in a touchdown pass to Benny Snell with 29 seconds left in the first half. Trubisky is still likely to be the starter Week 1 against the Bengals, but Pickett made a strong case for the job with his…read more

Working with second-stringers

Pickett will be the second quarterback to play for the Steelers in Saturday's preseason game at Jacksonville, entering the contest before Mason Rudolph, ESPN.com's Brooke Pryor reports.

Analysis: Coach Mike Tomlin said he wants to give Pickett "more varsity action" since he already knows what he has in Rudolph. Although Pickett will be the second quarterback to enter Saturday's matchup, he's expected to see some work with the starting offense, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. It doesn't necessarily mean the rookie is moving up the depth chart, though that's certainly a possibility this year, down the road if not before Week 1. The division of practice and preseason…read more

Works mainly with second-teamers

Pickett worked mainly with the Steelers' second-team offense during Monday's practice session, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Pickett impressed during his preseason debut Saturday against Seattle, completing 13 of 15 pass attempts for 95 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing three times for 16 yards. He primarily worked with the third-stringers ahead of the preseason opener and was the third quarterback on the field behind Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph on Saturday. However, the team's coaching staff said that the rookie's progression to working with the second-team offense was planned ahead of…read more

Efficient in preseason opener

Pickett completed 13 of 15 pass attempts for 95 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing three times for 16 yards during the Steelers' 32-25 preseason win over Seattle on Saturday.

Analysis: Pickett worked with the Steelers' third-team offense during Saturday's preseason opener, but he led the team in passing yards and touchdowns. The rookie made some late plays to keep the team in contention in the closing minutes and connected with Tyler Vaughns for a 24-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining. Pickett has appeared to be the Steelers' No. 3 quarterback early in camp, but it's possible that he earns some more opportunities following Saturday's efficient performance.

Gets work with second-stringers

Pickett moved up to the second-team offense Monday for the first padded practice of training camp, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Pickett reportedly struggled, albeit in a relatively short session during which most of his snaps were hand-offs. The rookie first-round pick had worked with Pittsburgh's third-team offense for the most part so far, with Mitch Trubisky leading the starters and Mason Rudolph handling second-team work. Pickett could enter Week 1 as a gameday inactive if Rudolph outperforms him this summer.