Tomlin: Trubisky to Start; Pickett, Rudolph Follow for Steelers vs. Lions

PITTSBURGH — Mitch Trubisky will start the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third and final preseason game of the 2022 season against the Detroit Lions, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Friday.

Trubisky will have started all three of the Steelers’ preseason games and has put himself into strong position to be the Week 1 starter, though Tomlin said that all decisions will be made after the preseason is complete.

Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph will follow Trubisky in that order for the second straight day, a sign that the rookie has at least drawn even with Rudolph in the team’s pecking order. Tomlin did not commit to a set amount of playing time for each player.

“It really determines the number of snaps we have, our level of success rate in terms of possession downs and time of possession, things like that. But obviously, we want to continue to get a look at those guys as they state a case for themselves.”

Trubisky played two and three drives respectively in each of the first two preseason games. He has yet to operate a 2-minute drill, but Tomlin said that’s not something he’s specifically focused on for this game.

“We’ve worked enough in team development that it’s not a prevailing thought,” Tomlin said. “If they get one, great.”

Tomlin also declined to give a planned length of playing time for any other position group, saying that he has plans but will be light on his feet.

“There’s certain things that we want to see,” Tomlin said. “We’re not moving until we do.”

Tomlin did confirm that starting running back Najee Harris will play against the Lions after being held out of the first two preseason games. He didn’t rule any injured players out of the game, though several have told Steelers Now they will not play, including slot cornerback Arthur Maulet.