Here is what Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had to say about the injury to Kenny Pickett and the performance of Mitch Trubisky in the team’s Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers started off their season with a huge overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. They then lost their next four games on the schedule, falling further and further down the standings and power rankings. They looked to prevent the losing streak extending to five games with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady.
Even though it looked like a winnable game for the Buccaneers, the Steelers stepped up and pulled off the 20-18 victory. They had a strong start from quarterback Kenny Pickett, but he was ruled out due to a concussion. Mitch Trubisky entered in relief, extended the team’s lead, and ran out the clock to secure the win.
After the game, Tomlin spoke to the media, and brought up Pickett and Trubisky. Tomlin’s press conference can be viewed below, courtesy of the Steelers’ official Twitter account.
What Mike Tomlin said about Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky after Week 6 win over Buccaneers
Tomlin said prior to taking questions at his press conference that Pickett was in the concussion protocol. There were no further details provided beyond that statement.
A member of the media in attendance at the press conference asked Trubisky entering the game and making the plays to help lead the Steelers to a victory.
“I don’t know that it says anything that I didn’t already know as I got to know him throughout this process. He’s been professional and class at every step of the way,” said Tomlin. “That’s why I mentioned it repeatedly when you guys ask me about what’s transpiring at the quarterback position. Not only him, but Mason Rudolph was engaged and has got good ideas. Man, we are a collective, man. I just appreciate the unselfishness of all of those guys throughout this process, and that’s why I repeatedly bring it up.”
Pickett exited the game after he was hit by Buccaneers linebacker Devin White as he threw a pass downfield. As he fell, Pickett slammed the back of his head off of the turf, and was removed from the game. The team initially declared that he was questionable to return as he was evaluated for a concussion. Shortly afterward, the team ruled Pickett out due to a concussion.
Trubisky entered in relief, his first appearance since he was benched in the team’s Week 4 game against the New York Jets. In the fourth quarter, he extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 20-12 on a touchdown pass to Chase Claypool. The Steelers got the ball back with over four minutes remaining in regulation after the Buccaneers cut their deficit to 20-18. Trubisky killed the clock with multiple first downs, whether they were passes or runs.
In his late appearance, Trubisky completed 9-of-12 pass attempts for 144 yards and one touchdown.
Pittsburgh will look to make it two wins in a row next week when they take on the Miami Dolphins. As for who will get the start at quarterback, that will all be dependent on how Pickett recovers from the concussion he suffered in Week 6.
