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Steelers QB Kenny Pickett's ankle surgery, return timeline explained

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•12/23/23
steelers-qb-kenny-pickett-ankle-surgery-return-timeline-explained
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) makes a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

There is good news on the status of injured Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett ahead of their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. While Pickett may not be back in time for Sunday’s AFC North showdown with massive playoff implications, he is expected to be back the following week, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

On a recent airing of NFL GameDay Kickoff, Rapoport detailed the Steelers’ timeline for their starting quarterback while explaining the type of surgical procedure he had done to his ankle. You can see the pro football expert’s explanation of Pickett’s procedure in the video below.

Pickett has been missing in action for a month as he recovered from the Tightrope surgery. The Steelers quarterback did return to practice this week. Still, as a safety precaution, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and his training staff elected to give their starting quarterback another week of rest and recovery before putting him back in the starting lineup.

Inactive players list for Week 16 AFC North clash between Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a pivotal AFC North clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday afternoon. 

Pittsburgh (7-7) will take their playoff hopes to Cincinnati (8-6), where they’ll start Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Will there be a Christmas miracle for the Steelers, or will Jake Browning play the role of Pittsburgh’s Grinch on Saturday? Either way, it’s bound to be entertaining.

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Prior to the game, the Steelers have revealed their inactive players for Week 16. Check them out below.

Pittsburgh Steelers — Inactive players for Week 16:

  • No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett
  • No. 17 S Trenton Thompson
  • No. 21 CB Darius Rush
  • No. 39 S Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • No. 40 LB Blake Martinez
  • No. 60 T Dylan Cook
  • No. 98 DE DeMarvin Leal

Cincinnati Bengals — Inactive players for Week 16:

  • No. 1 WR Ja’Marr Chase
  • No. 25 RB Chris Evans
  • No. 56 LB Devin Harper
  • No. 63 C Trey Hill
  • No. 70 OT D’Ante Smith
  • No. 81 TE Irv Smith
  • No. 90 DT Travis Bell

Alas, we’ll see if the Steelers can overcome these athletes not being able to suit up on Saturday. The game has gigantic playoff implications for both teams, and only one of the AFC North rivals can leave victorious.

More on Chase

While the Cincinnati Bengals have been able to stay alive in the AFC playoff race despite losing star quarterback Joe Burrow for the season, they’re are going to have to pick up the win against the Steelers without another one up their offensive superstars.

According to Cincinnati beat reporter Kelsey Conway, wide receiver Chase will not play in the Bengals’ next contest on Saturday afternoon.

“Zac Taylor rules out Ja’Marr Chase to play vs. the Steelers on Saturday,” said Conway via X.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this article