Report: Steelers believe in Kenny Pickett, still see him as franchise QB

Mason Rudolph will receive his third straight start Saturday afternoon. The Steelers are hoping their former third-stringer can help them clinch a wildcard spot.

Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett, the Steelers 2022 first-round draft pick, is now healthy enough to play after undergoing ankle surgery a month ago. Yet coach Mike Tomlin is going with Rudolph in the most meaningful game of the season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Steelers still view Pickett as their top guy. Rapoport said: “Despite the fact that Mason Rudolph is going [today], my understanding is the organization does still believe in Kenny Pickett and in no way wants to move on from him after the season. Still a ton of confidence that he can be a franchise starter. It’s really just a matter of playing right now the quarterback that gives them the best chance.”

Ian Rapoport on Steelers QBs: "Despite the fact that Mason Rudolph is going [today], my understanding is the organization does still believe in Kenny Pickett and in no way wants to move on from him after the season. Still a ton of confidence that he can be a franchise starter.…

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 6, 2024

Steelers wildcard chances: beat Ravens, then either Bills, Jaguars lose on Sunday

The Steelers need to beat the Ravens, who already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoff bracket, to have a chance at the post season. They also need either the Bills or Jaguars to lose their regular season finales on Sunday.

Pickett was a full participant in practice this past week for the first time since his injury. Tomlin explained why he left Rudolph as the starter.

“I think Kenny’s availability is less in question this week, that being said, we’re going to leave the ball in Mason Rudolph’s hands,” Tomlin said. “He’s done a good job and we’ve done a good job in the most recent two weeks. We’ve taken care of the ball, he’s taken care of the ball and we’ve scored points at a rate that we haven’t to this point this year. With the urgency of the moment, and because of those reasons, we’re going to leave the ball in his hands.”

“I say all those things with the understanding that Kenny is very capable, in particular when it pertains to this matchup,” Tomlin added. “Kenny’s led us to victory late in the game the last two times we’ve played Baltimore, we feel like we have two capable guys.”

Because the Ravens already have clinched the top seed, coach John Harbaugh is resting several starters, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, the favorite to win NFL MVP honors. The Steelers upset the Ravens earlier in the season, 17-10.