Kenny Pickett is still the starting quarterback of the Steelers.
Not only did Tuesday's updated depth chart still have Pickett listed atop the group of quarterbacks, but Mike Tomlin provided some optimism during his weekly press conference that the rookie quarterback could take the field Sunday night in Miami, despite working his way back from a concussion.
"It's my understanding that his work won't be limited in any way in preparation," Tomlin said. "So we'll adhere to the protocol. We'll follow that and let that be our guide in terms of participation."
The good news for Pickett is he's been cleared to be a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Tomlin was also transparent about Pickett's status for Sunday, if he passes the concussion protocol.
"If he's cleared to play, he'll play," Tomlin said. "He'll play quarterback for us."
There was speculation that Mitch Trubisky might not only start against Miami, but could possibly leapfrog his way back into the starting role because of his performance in the 20-18 victory over the Buccaneers. Trubisky played a huge role in the win, despite playing only a quarter and a half. He went 9 for 12 for 144 yards and a touchdown, averaging a blistering 12 yards per attempt, which more than doubled his season total prior to the game.
Trubisky not only led the drive that ultimately gave Pittsburgh the lead they needed to secure victory, but he converted two third-and-long throws and rushed for a 9-yard gain on the drive that helped put the game on ice.
This came only two weeks after Trubisky was benched at halftime in favor of Pickett, who subsequently became the new starting quarterback. Tomlin was impressed and appreciative of Trubisky's "aggressive pursuit of victory" this past Sunday, but ultimately opted to stick with Pickett.
"There's really just not a lot to talk about," Tomlin said. "We're not gonna blow in the wind. We're gonna be somewhat steady. I've been consistent in my messaging regarding decision-making in that position. I think it helps those that are playing. I think it helps the team in terms of who to follow, and we're not gonna flip the script now."
MORE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE
• Tomlin's update on Pickett's health wasn't the only encouraging news from Tuesday's press conference. Pat Freiermuth and Levi Wallace, both of whom are also dealing with concussions, are expected to return to full participation in practice this week. Both Freiermuth and Wallace were limited in practice last week, but their step toward full participation is a great sign for their potential return to the field when the Steelers travel to Miami.
• The injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), Cam Sutton (hamstring) and Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) were mentioned by Tomlin, including some new injuries: James Daniels and Myles Jack are dealing with ankle injuries, while Larry Ogunjobi is now battling a knee injury after overcoming a back injury last week. Mason Cole is still working with the issue regarding his right foot, and now he's got an injury to his left foot/ankle. In addition, Steven Sims has a hamstring issue that Tomlin said would slow his workload at the early stages of the week.
The injured list continues to be long, but more guys than not are trending in the right direction. However, if a guys such as Sims can't go this week, that would likely pave the way for Gunner Olszewski to get a chance to win back Tomlin's trust.
• Calvin Austin is continuing to work his way back from his foot injury. But it sounds like his catching up to speed with the offense is the only thing that's slowing him down from returning.
"I thought he'd improved a little bit last week. He knocked a little bit more of the rust off," Tomlin said. "We'll see what this week holds. We still got a little bit of time here in terms of making the determining factor about his inclusion."
Austin's potential return could give the Steelers another option in the return game if Sims is out for an extended period of time.
• Some might think Brian Flores could be a double agent of sorts against the Dolphins since his previous job was head coach in Miami. The thought is his experience there could help the Steelers gain some sort of tactical advantage. However, Tomlin shut that narrative down rather emphatically.
"It is a useful resource, but in the coaching profession, we all feel it's overblown, to be quite honest," Tomlin said. "It's not about what coaches know. It's about what coaches can convey to players, and it's about what players can recall in an instant in the moment before the ball snaps. Oftentimes, you can sit around the classroom and the coach can provide quality insight and the player can nod in agreement, 'Yeah, I see that and understand that.' But the minute they get on their feet and the bullets are about to start flying or the snap is imminent, those things become less relevant. ... We have to put together a good plan. Our players have to understand the plan. They have to go out and execute the plan. Very little of that has to do with where Coach Flores worked last year or his intimate knowledge of members of their football team, etcetera. This is a small fraternity, particularly at this level. Those storylines exist every week. And that's just our mentality regarding."
• Tomlin quasi-addressed the report of the altercation between Trubisky and Diontae Johnson at halftime of the Week 4 loss to the Jets. Corey Crisan has that covered in a separate report.
