Kenny Pickett suffered a knee injury in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans, and initial reports suggested the second-year quarterback could miss time. But things could be looking up as Pickett and the Steelers prepare for a Week 5 tilt with the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.
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Kenny Pickett Injury Update
UPDATE, Oct. 4 (2:40 p.m. ET): Pickett told reporters on Wednesday that he’ll “be ready to go by Sunday” after suffering a knee injury in Week 4. He was wearing a “bulky brace” on his left knee during practice today.
Oct. 3 (1:02 p.m. ET): Pickett went down on a 4th-and-1 play in Pittsburgh’s 30-6 defeat on Sunday. The Steelers called a passing play, and Pickett injured his knee while attempting to escape the pocket after failing to find any open receivers.
Here’s the play which forced Pickett to depart last week’s game:
Kenny Pickett's pocket movement is awful. He sacks himself or drifts into defenders way too often, just like in college.
He ends up getting hurt on a 4th and 1 stop, unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/AjWrYEktWr
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) October 1, 2023
Mitchell Trubisky relieved Pickett, who had completed 15 of 23 attempts for 114 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. If Pickett can’t suit up in Week 5, Trubisky would get the call.
But don’t count out Pickett just yet. He didn’t suffer an ACL injury or any other severe form of damage to his knee.
Instead, Pickett has a bone bruise and muscle strain, as NFL Network reported on Monday.
On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett will practice on Wednesday. Pittsburgh will evaluate his progress and assess whether he’s healthy enough to play on Sunday.
“Obviously, (Pickett’s) functionality and comfort will be the guide tomorrow,” Tomlin said. “As we push forward toward the game, the quality of his work will be the determining factor.”
Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin told reporters that Kenny Pickett has a bone bruise on his knee, the QB will practice some on Wednesday and the team will evaluate whether he can play Sunday vs. the Ravens.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2023
The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, which could complicate their decision on Pickett. If Pittsburgh thinks he could benefit from two weeks off, the club could keep him out until Week 7.
Pickett and the Steelers’ offense has struggled through four games, ranking just 27th in yards per play and 28th in scoring. Only Desmond Ridder and Joe Burrow have posted worse passing results, as measured by EPA + CPOE composite.
Pickett isn’t the only injury Pittsburgh’s offense is dealing with. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been on injured reserve (IR) since Week 3, while tight end Pat Freiermuth and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. are expected to miss Week 6.
