When Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin benched quarterback Mitch Trubisky at halftime of the Oct. 2 game against the New York Jets, the move appeared to be entirely performance related.
Pittsburgh had struggled on offense to open the year, and the Jets game brought more of the same.
However, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday that Tomlin sat Trubisky after the quarterback engaged in a locker room confrontation at halftime with wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Kenny Pickett took over QB duties against the Jets, and started the next two games. After he suffered a blow to the head Sunday, Trubisky returned to action and keyed the Steelers to an upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Post said multiple sources detailed the confrontation. Johnson reportedly started the incident by yelling at Trubisky to target him more. In the first half, Johnson let one ball deflect off his hands for an interception. On another play, he failed to get both feet inbounds to complete a touchdown catch.
When Trubisky stood up to Johnson, “a heated exchange occurred,” according to the Post.
Now, Trubisky has seemingly worked his way way back into Tomlin’s good graces with a strong performance against the Bucs. He completed 9-of-12 attempts for 144 yards and a touchdown, including a couple of clutch third-down throws that helped Pittsburgh run out the clock late in the game.
With Pickett in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Trubisky is in line to start next Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Even if Pickett clears protocol, the team might opt to play it safe.
In the meantime, Tomlin is pleased with Trubisky’s attitude through everything that has happened.
“He’s been professional and class at every step of the way,” Tomlin said. “Not only him, but (third-string quarterback) Mason Rudolph was engaged and has got good ideas. We are a collective team and I just appreciate the unselfishness of all of those guys throughout this process. That’s why I repeatedly bring it up.”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.