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This week is a short one for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a disheartening home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Steelers must quickly turn their attention toward the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium.
Pittsburgh's quarterback situation is uncertain following a rib injury to starter Kenny Pickett and an unconvincing display from backup Mitchell Trubisky against the Jacksonville defense. According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Pickett will have to recover quickly to have a chance for Thursday night -- but nothing has been ruled out under center in Pittsburgh.
Pickett has a chance; Fitzpatrick does not
Speaking to the meda on Monday, Tomlin said that Pickett has no structural damage to his ribs, even after the injury caused him to leave Sunday's game in the first half. Because of this, Pickett could play if his "physical preparation" is strong.
All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was also unable to complete the game against Jacksonville due to a hamstring injury sustained in the first quarter. Tomlin has already ruled him out in a big blow to the Steelers' defense, but the larger concern centers on who will lead Pittsburgh's offense on successful drives.
Pickett threw for only 73 yards in the first half and did not throw a touchdown as Steelers fans begin airing their frustrations over the 2022 first-round pick's long-term potential. To be fair, Trubisky didn't exactly set the Jaguars' defense alight upon entering the game -- he tossed a touchdown to George Pickens, but he was also intercepted twice in the eventual 20-10 loss.
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Heyward close to a return?
Even after losing Fitzpatrick for at least the next game, another crucial cog in the Pittsburgh defense is nearing a return to action in what would be a big boost to the 4-4 Steelers' playoff chances.
Cameron Heyward, who last played in Week 1, has returned to practice and could be in contention against the Titans. Heyward underwent groin surgery following the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers -- and reuniting him with T.J. Watt on the defensive line for the second half of the season should be pretty exciting for Steelers fans.