Pittsburgh Steelers fans received some encouraging news. On Monday afternoon, MRI results revealed that Kenny Pickett has a bone bruise and a muscle strain on his left knee, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It was initially feared that Pickett could have suffered ligament damage, and some speculated that he may have strained his MCL or tore his meniscus.
This is pretty much the best-case scenario the team could have hoped for. The injury occurred during the third quarter of Pittsburgh's Week 4 road game against the Houston Texans. On a fourth-and-one, Pickett couldn't find anyone open and attempted to scramble out of the pocket.
#Steelers QB Kenny Pickett suffered a bone bruise in his knee that could lead to a short-term absence, per me and @MikeGarafolo. The door is open for Pickett, who also has a muscle strain, to play this week, but the team may be smart with a bye in Week 6. pic.twitter.com/SlbY7FaIa8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2023
In the process, Pickett took a sack and went down clutching his left knee as his leg was trapped underneath the defender.
All things considered, this is an excellent outcome. In fact, the Steelers are leaving the door open for him to play this week, per NFL media. However, considering that Pittsburgh has just one game before the bye week, it might be wise for Mike Tomlin to give him two weeks to rest. This would have him returning for the Week 7 contest against the LA Rams.
Unfortunately, this Sunday will be a pivotal game for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they host the Baltimore Ravens. The last time this AFC North opponent played in Pittsburgh, Trubisky was filling in for Pickett, who was in concussion protocol. Trubisky threw 3 interceptions in a game the Steelers could have easily won.
The winner of the Steelers vs. Ravens game in Week 5 will be in first place in the AFC North. There's a lot riding on how things go down this Sunday. At the same time, Pittsburgh doesn't want to rush Pickett back to the field before he's ready. At the very least, fans should be extremely encouraged by the latest injury news for Kenny Pickett. he should return to the field soon.