Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Kenny Pickett is expected to miss some playing time due to a knee injury, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. During an appearance on Good Morning Football, Rapoport clarified that while the injury is not season-ending, Pickett is likely to be sidelined for a period. The exact nature of the injury is still being determined, but there is concern over the MCL and potentially the meniscus.
However, the Steelers’ upcoming bye week in Week 6 provides a good opportunity for Pickett to rest and recover. With just one game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 before the bye, it would make sense for Pickett to sit out and allow his knee to heal. He is undergoing an MRI to provide more information about the extent of the injury.
There is hope within the Steelers organization that Pickett’s injury is just a minor MCL sprain, which would result in a shorter recovery period. Any additional damage to the meniscus could prolong his absence, as would a more severe MCL injury. But overall, it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue, and there is optimism that he will return to the field after the bye.
If Pickett does miss any games, Mitch Trubisky is expected to step in as the starting quarterback for the Steelers. Trubisky has previous experience playing against the Ravens, as he filled in for Pickett last season when he suffered a concussion in Week 14.
While Pickett has had multiple concussions in the past, this is his first lower-body injury since entering the NFL. Fortunately, the injury doesn’t seem to be too severe, and the fact that there is no damage to the ACL is a positive sign. Rapoport believes that Pickett will be back relatively soon, indicating that the injury is not expected to be a long-term setback.
In the event that Pickett only misses one game, it would likely be a favorable outcome for the Steelers, considering how bad the injury appeared initially. Overall, the Steelers will be hoping for a quick recovery for their young quarterback as they continue their season.
