Even though Kenny Pickett believed he was physically ready to return, he submits to the coaches and trainers of the Steelers due to another serious injury.
Kenny Pickett’s right foot pain has somewhat subsided three and a half weeks following ankle surgery. The second-year quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be more hindered by a growing sense of anxiety and expectation right now.
Pickett acknowledged his degree of annoyance at missing the previous three games on Thursday, calling it “clear.” Every competitor wants to enter and engage in gameplay. I am attempting to return as soon as I can.
On Wednesday, one day into the practice week, Pickett remained optimistic that “as soon as feasible” would mean Sunday’s away game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Mason Rudolph would start the week with first-team reps at quarterback, but the team’s braintrust would closely monitor Pickett’s physical preparedness, according to coach Mike Tomlin’s statement on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Pickett made it plain in a quiet and considerate way that he thought he was well enough to play in Seattle.
Speaking to the media for the first time in five days, Pickett remarked, “I feel like I could.” I make it a point to challenge myself. The coaches and trainers are to blame. They want to approach it the way they see me doing it.
Nine of the 17 questions that were posed to Pickett on Wednesday during his first media availability since he was hurt late in the first half of a home defeat to the Arizona Cardinals on December 3rd had something to do with his ailment and/or playing status.
Pickett alluded to “the trainers” in some way each of the nine occasions, putting their assessment of his preparedness ahead of his own.
He once remarked, “(The ankle) feels nice.” Observing each day as it comes. paying attention to the advice of coaches and trainers.
Moments later, Pickett said, “They have a plan for me.” “I am following their lead, I think…
“It seems like I am doing what has to be done. Actually, it is not how I feel at all; rather, it is what they observe me doing and how they perceive my movements and looks.
It was asked of Pickett if there was anything specific that was preventing him from performing at this point.
Not at all. The trainers will decide.
Could he put a percentage on the condition of his ankle?
“You can not have a percentage from me. All I have to do is listen to the trainers’ advice, adjust my movement, and move on from there.
Does Pickett believe he must be completely healthy in order to play?
“No, I am not calling that.” That is a call for the trainers.
This week’s situation for Pickett is similar to that of last week, when Tomlin benched former No. 2 quarterback Mitch Trubisky and stated that Rudolph would start in Pickett’s absence.
The 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals this past Saturday did not feature Pickett in a uniform. Reiterating what Tomlin had said, Pickett stated that the coaches had decided to declare him inactive because they did not think he could move and defend himself effectively enough to play in an NFL game.
But Pickett, Trubisky, play-caller and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, and assistant quarterbacks coach David Corley offered Rudolph a sounding board of advise from the sidelines that he obviously valued.
“They were really beneficial,” Rudolph remarked. Respected them greatly and enjoyed their company. Regardless of the player, there has been excellent dialogue. Unlike prior times when there has not been as much group cohesiveness and people are not as upfront with, “Hey, how can we assist?”, everyone is genuinely wanting to make the other person better, locate a nugget if they see something, or suggest something that will truly help us out. They have been excellent.
In their two years of sharing a position room, Rudolph was consistent, and Pickett praised that, pointing out that even as the QB3, Rudolph’s preparation was never compromised.
The same kinds of things are being said about Pickett by his teammates this week.
Receiver Diontae Johnson stated, “He is truly practicing as if he is going to play.” He always seems to take more reps when he is not feeling well. I work with him for a few reps, exactly as he is playing. Nothing seems altered to me.
“I do not see anything stopping him; he still has terrific footwork and spin on the ball.” I think he looks good.
Johnson stated that others will have to make the decision on Pickett’s physical well-being and that his view is irrelevant. Apart from stating that his ankle has “never, ever” been a factor in his decision to miss the entire season, Pickett appears to have come to terms with the fact that the coaching and training staffs of the club will have final say over whether or not he plays again this season.
He stated, “They are simply taking it day by day.” “As far as communication goes, nothing is in the works. It literally has to do with how I appear and when I come there. It is their perception of my performance. They have the final say.
