Kenny Pickett limited in return to practice, Najee Harris held out

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) quarterback Kenny Pickett returned to practice Tuesday after missing the last two weeks with a high ankle sprain.

Pittsburgh listed Pickett as a limited participant on the injury report. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that while Pickett isn’t ruled out for this Saturday’s home contest against the Cincinnati Bengals (8-6), the current plan is for Mason Rudolph to get the start under center.

“It’s our intention as we sit here today to get Mason Rudolph an opportunity to start,” Tomlin said. “He’s a veteran guy. He’s a backup, but he’s also a veteran guy. Been in our program a long time. He’s here for those reasons. We got a great deal of comfort with him.”

He added: “I just had a conversation with Kenny. He had a really good rehab today. His availability is not out of the question this week. But the front part of the week, our attention and emphasis will be on Mason Rudolph, and we’ll leave the door ajar and see how Kenny responds to the work that he did today, the limited work that we’re probably going to give him [Tuesday] and again establish sort of position in terms of a pecking order.”

In determining’s Pickett’s status for Saturday’s game, Tomlin said he will rely on medical experts.

“First of all, the medical experts lead the charge in that regard in terms of medical clearance and then it’s just overall effectiveness,” Tomlin said. “First and foremost, his ability to move and protect himself. Secondly, his effectiveness in terms of movement, his ability to ad lib, etc.”

Steelers in funk without Kenny Pickett

The Steelers have dropped three straight games and are on the outside looking in of the playoff picture in the AFC. The skid has coincided with Pickett’s injury, forcing them to start Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky struggled against Indianapolis and was subsequently yanked for Rudolph late in the game. Although Rudolph hasn’t played since December 2021, he still owns a 5-4-1 career record as Steelers starter. He’s thrown for 2,369 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career.

Elsewhere on the injury front, running back Najee Harris was held out Tuesday with a knee injury. The same applies to safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Steelers Tuesday injury report

QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) – Limited
S Trenton Thompson (Neck) – DNP
RB Najee Harris (Knee) – DNP
S Elijah Riley (Ankle) – Limited
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Knee) – DNP
OG Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) – DNP
OT Broderick Jones (Ankle) – Limited
TE Pat Freiermuth (Knee) – Limited
DT Cameron Heyward (Concussion) – Limited