The Pittsburgh Steelers were unable to get anything going in Week 8 action against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, that resulted in them losing by a final score of 20-10. Kenny Pickett once again went down with an injury, this time to his ribs, which has put his status for Thursday Night Football this week in question.
Over the course of the first eight weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Pickett has had a lot of ups and downs. At times, he has looked the part of a long-term franchise quarterback for the Steelers. During other times, he has looked like a quarterback that would be better suited as a backup.
With that in mind, he is still the quarterback that offers the Steelers the best chance to win. They will need him on the field this week when they take on the Tennessee Titans at home.
Mike Tomlin spoke out on Monday and provided an update on the second-year quarterback. He still believes that Pickett has a chance to suit up and play.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin rules DB Minkah Fitzpatrick out for Thursday, but says the door is ajar for QB Kenny Pickett. No structural damage to his ribs makes it possible.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2023
Breaking Down The Kenny Pickett Injury Update
While it’s great news that Pickett has a chance to play, there was some major bad news revealed as well. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be unable to go. He has been a massive part of the Steelers’ defensive success so far this season.
Pickett will need to show some progress over the next three days in order to be cleared to play. He has shown the resolve and ability to work hard to get back on the field through nagging injuries already this year.
So far this season in seven games played, Kenny Pickett has completed 61 percent of his pass attempts for 1,330 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also picked up 22 yards and another score on the ground.
Hopefully, he will be able to progress well and find a way to play against the Titans. The Steelers are currently 4-3 on the season and are a borderline playoff contender. If they can continue growing together and improving, especially on the offensive side of the ball, they will have a chance to compete in the AFC.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the week goes. The injury bug has killed many playoff hopes over the years. All the Steelers can hope for now is that they aren’t the next in the long line of injury-plagued teams.
Stay tuned for more Kenny Pickett updates ahead of the Steelers’ Thursday Night Football matchup in Week 9.