Steelers news: Kenny Pickett doubtful, new signing falls through

Pittsburgh is heading into the weekend with some big questions as they prepare for the Panthers. Here’s the biggest Steelers news you must know before the game.

Even for a 5-8 football team with no playoff hope, the Pittsburgh Steelers had plenty of things happening this week. Sadly, most of the news is bad. After entering concussion protocol for the second time in eight weeks, Kenny Pickett wasn’t able to log a full practice and he will be sidelined this week. Pittsburgh also had a depth signing fall through and a half-dozen starters with bumps and bruises who showed up on the Steelers injury report.

Fortunately, most of these players were able to log a limited practice on Friday and will attempt to play this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. However, playing on the road without their starting quarterback puts them at a bit of a disadvantage this week. Here’s the latest Steelers news as we gear up for the weekend.

Steelers news

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Friday afternoon that Kenny Pickett is doubtful to suit up against the Carolina Panthers. Based on his statement, he might as well have been ruled out. Interestingly, Tomlin still hasn’t labeled a starting quarterback, but it will either be Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph under center in Charlotte this Sunday. Both backups split the starting reps during the week.

More Steelers news

The Pittsburgh Steelers all but finalized a deal to bring back a familiar face. Earlier in the week, edge defender Ola Adeniyi was released by the Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh quickly went after their former player.

Considering that Malik Reed missed last week with a back injury and the fact that T.J. Watt has been playing through a rib issue, the Steelers were excited to add some familiar depth with Adeniyi — who was a former preseason standout and backup for Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, the deal fell through as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Adeniyi had failed his physical. This team remains razor-thin at edge defender outside of Watt and Alex Highsmith.

NFL news

Jets quarterback, Zach Wilson, was not benched on good terms. The second-year quarterback and former number two overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft refused to take the blame for the miserable results on offense prior to his demotion. However, New York is turning to him this week.

Mike White said he had ‘no doubt’ that he wanted to play this week, but doctors would not clear him, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Head coach Robert Saleh is turning back to Wilson who may get a shot to redeem himself at home against the Detroit Lions this week.