They picked Kenny Pickett on a Thursday, now they’re choosing him for Sundays.
When the Steelers selected Pittsburgh passer Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it was only a matter of time until Mike Tomlin and Co. would turn to the rookie in the fall. His time came on Sunday, in a loss to the Jets.
But Pickett’s cup of coffee is turning into an extended stay atop the depth chart: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers are turning to Pickett for Week 5 and beyond, signaling the start of a new era for the Steelers.
The #Steelers are expected to move forward with rookie QB Kenny Pickett, sources say, as the first-rounder is set to replace Mitch Trubisky in the lineup. Pickett saw his first action on Sunday and is slated to be the QB moving forward. pic.twitter.com/Lc2ZiMerlg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2022
IYER: Why Kenny Pickett’s debut for Steelers is a big win, even in a loss
In his debut, Pickett threw for 120 yards on 10-of-13 passing and two touchdowns on the ground. He also threw three interceptions in his first NFL action and earned a 66.1 overall grade (71.6 passing grade) from PFF in two quarters of action.
Another TD for @kennypickett10 🙌
📺 #NYJvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/SgWN3XETJr
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 2, 2022
Still, Pickett provided something that the Steelers offense desperately needed through 14 quarters of play in 2022: A little bit of hope.
“I thought we needed a spark,” Tomlin said following the game. “We thought he could provide a spark for us.”
Pickett provided that spark, even in the loss. Pittsburgh took a 20-10 lead over the Jets in the second half, after trailing 10-0, displacing veteran passer Mitchell Trubisky in the effort.
Teammates were also appreciative of Pickett’s effort, including tight end Pat Freiermuth,
Pat Freiermuth said that while the #Steelers had Kenny Pickett in, “we were able to be the aggressor.” pic.twitter.com/FE6FdlLb0i
— Corey Crisan (@cdcrisan) October 3, 2022
“You never want to be held back on offense,” Freiermuth said after the game. “You always either want to make shots or try and be the aggressor, and I think with Kenny in there, we were able to be the aggressor.”
Freiermuth’s comment don’t particularly well for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this offseason. The former No. 2 overall selection threw two touchdowns to two interceptions in 3 1/2 games this season, not exactly guiding the team to a notable offensive start.
Now, Trubisky may want to start freshening up his resume for his next gig.
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