Steelers news: Questions with Pickett’s injury, Rudolph ready to step in

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a loss in more ways than one this past Sunday. Here’s the latest news that you need to know entering Week 15.

One of the worst-case scenarios played out of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens. Not only did they desperately need a win against an AFC North rival to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they needed to see continued progress from their young quarterback. Sadly, this team took a big step backward on Sunday.

Mike Tomlin’s team fell to Baltimore at home, and Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes are now virtually nonexistent. Additionally, Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game after just one pass when the medical team determined that his afternoon was done.

As of now, the quarterback outlook for Sunday’s Week 15 game against the Carolina Panthers is very questionable. Here’s the latest Steelers news you need to know.

Steelers news

We received confirmation on Monday afternoon that Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is indeed in concussion protocol, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. While we probably won’t get an injury update on Pickett until after Wednesday’s practice, it might be reasonable to assume that Pickett won’t play this weekend.

Just eight weeks ago, Pickett suffered a concussion against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Surprisingly, he was able to exit concussion protocol quickly and get back on the field the following week. This time around, it stands to reason that the medical team will err on the side of caution. This is Pickett’s second concussion in two months.

According to Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos, Mike Tomlin told reports that he didn’t know about the ‘details regarding the sequence’ that led to the medical team changing their decision after one series and officially ruling Pickett out against the Ravens. It’s interesting that Tomlin hasn’t been given an explanation for this huge decision.

With new rules in place following a severe concussion to Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa earlier this season, Pickett may not be able to suit up even if he’s not showing symptoms later this week. This makes the QB outlook for Week 15 very shaky, to say the least.

More Steelers news

With Pickett in concussion protocol, Mason Rudolph recently fielded questions from the media. Pittsburgh’s longest-tenured quarterback claims that he’s ready to go if called upon this week. Here’s what he had to say to TribLIVE reporter Chris Adamski:

"“Of course, I want to play. I take advantage of the reps I do get. Any competitor wants to be out for his team, winning and putting his hand in the pile.”"

Even with a three-interception game from Mitch Trubisky that strongly influenced the final outcome against the Ravens, it seems unlikely that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are going to turn from Trubisky to Rudolph if Pickett can’t go in Carolina this week. However, if the rookie doesn’t get the green light, Rudolph will be active and in uniform. Perhaps a slow start from Trubisky would give him an opportunity to see the field.

NFL news

The outcomes of AFC north games in Week 14 proved to be crushing to Pittsburgh’s playoff odds this year. With a Steelers loss and a Chargers win, their chances of landing a Wild Card spot have plummeted all the way down to just 0.2 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight. Even if they were to win out, Pittsburgh would have roughly a 5 percent chance of making the playoffs. Many fans are already setting their sights on the 2023 offseason.