Diontae Johnson, Steelers offense have 'full confidence' in Mitch Trubisky

With Kenny Pickett sidelined by a bad ankle, the Steelers offense is lining up to support Mitch Trubisky, a quarterback who has been in the system for two seasons.

If the Steelers make it to the playoffs, it’ll likely be because Trubisky played well enough to keep the team upright. And with a backup, that makes the Steelers a lot like more than one-third of the league. There could be a dozen backup quarterbacks starting this week. playoff contenders. For example, the Cleveland Browns are on their fourth starting quarterback.

“Mitch has been in that position before. He knows the system,” receiver Diontae Johnson told reporters this week. “It’s not like we just brought someone in to fill the spot. The offense has full confidence in Mitch, that he is going to get the job done this Thursday. Us guys on the outside, [we] feel the same way.”

Trubisky does know what its like to make a playoff run. In 2018, his second year in the NFL, the quarterback led the Bears to the division title. But Trubisky’s knock is his inconsistency. He was once the second overall pick in the NFL draft. But he eventually evolved into a backup looking for his next chance. The Steelers signed him before the 2022 draft and before they selected Pickett in the first round. Trubisky began 2022 as the starter, but evenually gave way to Pickett. It’s come full circle, albeit because of injury.

Trubisky to Diontae Johnson for the @Steelers TD

📺: #AZvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/RGnuVMjwig

— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023

Mitch Trubisky begans his Steelers career as a starter

Trubisky was 2-3 a year ago as the Steelers starter. He’s played in three games this season, coming in for Pickett, who has suffered several injuries. However, until this week, he hadn’t missed a start. Pickett didn’t practice Monday and Tuesday as the team prepares for a Thursday Night Football date against the Patriots. And there is at least one report that suggested Pickett will be out four weeks.

Coincidentally, New England also is struggling at quarterback. The Patriots defense has allowed 10 points or fewer the last three games and the team has lost each one.

Tomlin said he picked Trubisky over Mason Rudolph as the starter because Rudolph has worked mainly with the scout team. Plus, he said of Trubisky:

“He has an outgoing and welcoming personality, he’s a good communicator, he’s been a franchise quarterback before so he’s comfortable in those shoes. He doesn’t behave like a backup that’s being elevated and I think those are the things that make him attractive.”

Trubisky completed 11 of his 17 passes for 117 yards in the Steelers 24-10 home loss to the Cardinals. He annd Johnson combined for the team’s lone touchdown.

“From an experience standpoint, Mitch has been in the league for some time now,” Johnson told reporters. “He had experience out there last year as well. Whenever he comes in, he is always prepared and knows what he is doing. He knows the game plan. 

“It’s pretty much the same. It’s next man up. That’s how we see it.”