Kenny Pickett was slammed down to the ground by Adam Gotsis late in the second quarter. He landed hard on his right shoulder and was quickly led into the locker room. What do we know about the injury to the Pittsburgh Steelers QB? And how would it impact the rest of the game if he’s unable to return?
Kenny Pickett Injury Update
As the Steelers drove down the field late in the second quarter, a hard — and somewhat late — hit from Gotsis led Pickett’s body weight and force into his throwing shoulder as he contacted the ground. He was immediately led to the locker room with time remaining in the second quarter.
Although the exact injury and extent of the injury remain unknown as the Steelers head into the locker room for halftime, Pickett was clearly favoring his chest/shoulder area while being led off the field.
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Any kind of injury to his throwing arm would be difficult to overcome. The Steelers QB doesn’t necessarily have the kind of velocity generation to overcome a hampered arm.
Although Pickett has been less than impressive so far in his second season looking with a macro lens, he has played more confidently over the past few weeks. Missing time would also mean missing integral development.
Update (Sunday, 3:00 p.m. ET): Steelers public relations initially announced that he was expected to return, but Pickett has been ruled OUT with a rib injury.
Update (Sunday, 10:00 p.m. ET): ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that “Pickett injured his ribs today and his status for Thursday night’s game vs. the Titans is ‘up in the air,’ per league source. The team wants to see how he’s feeling Monday to get a further idea ofhis availability.”
Fantasy Impact of Pickett’s Injury
The Steelers’ passing offense hasn’t been productive this season, but it could get a bit shakier if Pickett misses any time in the near future. Pickett went 10-of-16 for 73 yards against the Jaguars prior to his injury.
Mitchell Trubisky will take over under center while Pickett is out of the lineup. Pittsburgh’s WR duo of George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are still both top-35 plays at the position, even with Trubisky under center. Yet, the fantasy ceiling of both players feels a bit lower while Trubisky is taking the snaps.