The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a quarterback dilemma as their starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, sustained an ankle injury during their game against the Arizona Cardinals. With Pickett ruled out for the remainder of the game, backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky took over. Let’s delve into the details of Pickett’s injury, Trubisky’s performance, and the implications for the Steelers moving forward.
During the second quarter, Pickett suffered an ankle injury while attempting to score a touchdown. Cardinals defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter tackled Pickett from behind, pinning his left ankle as he came down. This injury adds to Pickett’s existing discomfort in his right ankle, which he sustained in a previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After receiving medical attention on the field, Pickett limped off but was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game.
In Pickett’s absence, Mitch Trubisky took over as the starting quarterback. Trubisky entered the game on a crucial fourth-and-goal play from the 1-yard line. Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to convert, with running back Najee Harris falling short of the goal line. This missed opportunity was costly, as the Cardinals capitalized on a long 99-yard scoring drive to take a 10-3 lead into halftime.
This isn’t the first time Pickett has had to exit a game early due to injuries. In previous games this season, Pickett sustained a bone bruise against the Houston Texans in Week 4, and a rib injury just before halftime of the Week 8 loss to the Jaguars. In both instances, Trubisky stepped in and finished the games for the Steelers. However, Trubisky’s performances in those games were subpar, with 18-of-32 completions for 156 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Apart from Pickett’s injury, the Steelers also suffered additional blows with the absence of inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (groin) and left guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder). Seumalo, who had not missed a snap this season, and Roberts, the team’s last healthy free agency addition at inside linebacker, will be sorely missed. The Steelers have quickly signed Mykal Walker and Blake Martinez to fill the void, but Martinez has yet to make an appearance since joining the team.
The Steelers face a short turnaround this week with a Thursday night game against the New England Patriots looming. Pickett’s injury and Trubisky’s unimpressive performances as his replacement raise questions about the team’s quarterback situation. The Steelers will need to assess Pickett’s recovery timeline and determine whether Trubisky is the best option moving forward.
Injury woes have plagued the Pittsburgh Steelers as Kenny Pickett suffers another setback with his ankle injury. Mitch Trubisky stepped in to fill the void, but his previous performances as a substitute raise concerns about the team’s quarterback position. With important games on the horizon and key players also sidelined, the Steelers face an uphill battle in navigating their quarterback dilemma. Only time will tell how they navigate these challenges and whether they can maintain competitiveness in the NFL.
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