Another terrible news hit the Steelers as the Mike Tomlin has sorrowfully announced…
According to Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers want to give Pickett another opportunity to start as their quarterback.
The 2022 first-round selection finished 7-5 as a starter in his first two professional seasons despite throwing 13 touchdown passes in 24 NFL games. Pickett will never be a great quarterback, that much is certain, but the Steelers seem to think that with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Pickett may develop into a respectable starter. According to Dulac, the Steelers are not likely to pursue quarterbacks who are expected to be starters, such as Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, or Kirk Cousins. Instead, they may decide to re-sign Mason Rudolph, an upcoming free agent who started in December in place of an injured Pickett and went on to start after his teammate was given the all-clear. It’s important to note that not all Pittsburgh beat writers share Dulac’s level of assurance on the Steelers’ desire to give Pickett another chance as opposed to selecting Fields, Cousins, or Wilson in his place.
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After a procedure this past weekend, veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers is officially on the mend after dealing with a groin problem during the 2023 season.
In an Instagram story shot, Heyward disclosed that he has undergone an undisclosed surgical procedure, adding that he’s “ready to get back to feeling good.”
Heyward had a dismal 2023 season due to a groin injury he sustained on the opening day of Steelers training camp, according to Allison Koehler of USA Today. The 34-year-old tore his groin totally off the bone in Pittsburgh’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, limiting him to just 14 snaps.
Heyward was given a 12-week recuperation period following surgery. He was driven to return to the field, though, and did so in half the time. Regretfully, his quicker recuperation had an impact on his output.
After 11 games, Heyward only finished with 33 tackles. His two sacks were the fewest since his third-season (2013) full-time debut as a starter. His string of six consecutive Pro Bowl selections ended following his season marred by injuries.
Heyward said he was thinking about retiring after Pittsburgh’s AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. He instantly changed his mind and vowed to carry on with his outstanding career.
Since the Steelers picked Heyward with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, he has become a prominent member of the defense. He was nominated for the honor six times in a row and won Walter Payton Man of the Year for his off-field philanthropic work.
