What’s the oppoiste of palpable buzz? Well, that seems like how the Piitsburgh Steelers feel about Mitchell Trubisky as their starting quarterback moving forward.
The former Chicgao Bears starting quarterback has been thrust back into the role that was overtaken by Kenny Pickett, as the latter is expected to at miss at least the next two games.
Pickett was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In the second quarter, Pickett dove for the end zone. He was hit on the play and got up limping. Pickett went to the sidelines and didn’t return, with Trubisky taking his place.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on the injury after the game.
“Kenny Pickett will have a surgical procedure Monday on his injured ankle and expected to be out 2-4 weeks, per sources,” Dulac tweeted.
UPDATE: Kenny Pickett will have a surgical procedure Monday on his injured ankle and expected to be out 2-4 weeks, per sources. https://t.co/tx8VAPbFkO
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) December 4, 2023
With Trubisky back at quarterback, he will lead an offense that ranks fifth-worst in points per game (16.0). Only the Panthers, Jets, Giants, and Patriots have scored fewer points.
Speaking of leading the team, Steelers running back Najee Harris was asked about Trubisky’s leadership skills (or lack thereof) and didn’t give an answer that should exactly inspire confidence.
“It’s fine, I guess,” Harris said of Trubisky’s leadership, via Mike DeFabo.
Harris was asked a follow-up question about Trubisky’s leadership style.
“Vocal, I guess.”
Najee Harris on Mitch Trubisky's leadership: "It's fine, I guess."
Follow up Q: How would you describe his style? "Vocal, I guess."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 5, 2023
It seems like there is some tension between Trubisky and Harris, or perhaps Harris simply didn’t want to speak to the media. Regardless, this situation doesn’t reflect well on either player, especially since the Steelers still need to maintain their playoff hopes without Pickett.
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.