Throughout the NFL Preseason, many teams choose not to play some of their star players during preseason exhibition games to protect them from injuries. This is especially true for quarterbacks. But it sounds like the Pittsburgh Steelers are considering giving Kenny Pickett some reps this season.
During his press conference this week, Mike Tomlin was asked whether or not the team would consider playing Kenny Pickett during the preseason, and he certainly didn’t rule it out.
“We’ll play it by ear. We’ll give him what he needs,” Tomlin said according to Pro Football Talk. “That’s always my mentality. I’m open to all that are healthy playing. How much they play will be determined what it is they need for it to be a productive step in the process for them, or week. And then we’ll deal with next week, next week.”
Tomlin made it clear that unlike some coaches, he does like to give his players experience in the preseason and get them ready for the upcoming season instead of protecting them from injury.
“I know there are different approaches to the preseason and I respect the approaches and opinions of others,” Tomlin said. “But that’s kind of always been in my comfort zone — if we’re going to box, we have to spar. If we need to get ready for the regular season, then preseason is an avenue in which to do it for individuals and collectives.”
It will be interesting to see how much Pickett plays this season.
