The Steelers’ 2022 season is slipping away. Would it be smart to start preparing for the future and shut down rookie QB Kenny Pickett?
Pickett suffered his second concussion of the year in Week 14, and some are raising the question. Game reps are important for rookie development, but is it worth the risk?
Pickett may not even be able to play Sunday as he is still limited in practice. If he can’t go, Pittsburgh may be playing meaningless games when he returns anyway. It’s a difficult decision, and a spot the Steelers haven’t been in since 2003.
As long as Pittsburgh has a chance at the playoffs, it’s hard to believe head coach Mike Tomlin would throw in the towel, especially on the brink of his first losing season.
However, with a loss in Week 15, Tomlin would secure his first season below .500 and the Steelers would likely be eliminated from playoff contention.
With all of that said, football is a violent game and injuries happen. If Pickett is their quarterback of the future, every snap he can get now will benefit him going into his second year.
There is an argument to be made, but Tomlin and his Steelers have never played scared before.
