Steelers' Pickett to be game-time call for TNF, Fitzpatrick out

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the Tennessee Titans, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Monday.

Pickett suffered a rib injury in Pittsburgh's Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Tomlin said "the door is definitively ajar" for him to play in Week 9. Veteran quarterback Mitchell Trubisky came in for Pickett against the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to miss the prime-time game with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 8. Tomlin said he doesn't yet have a timeline for the Pro Bowler's return.

Pickett again struggled before exiting against the Jaguars, completing 10 of 16 passes for 73 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The signal-caller has failed to make a sophomore leap in 2023, throwing for 1,350 yards and five scores against four picks in seven appearances.

Trubisky, who started five games in 2022 before Pickett was handed the reins, produced 138 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions in relief duty versus Jacksonville.

The Steelers will reportedly be facing rookie quarterback Will Levis - who threw for four touchdowns during his NFL debut in last Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons - with Ryan Tannehill sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

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