Mike Tomlin Names Mitch Trubisky as Steelers Week 1 Starter

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin officially named Mitch Trubisky as the Steelers’ starting quarterback on Tuesday. He was listed as the top quarterback on the depth chart, and that trend continues.

Trubisky took the first team snaps throughout the entirety of training camp and the preseason, so this move is no surprise. Tomlin was particularly impressed by how Trubisky stepped up to the plate to lead the team. As the captain, Trubisky was likely to be the starter, and the experience pushed Tomlin to name him the starter.

“Mitch Trubisky is our starting quarterback and our captain,” Tomlin said. “Man, we’re just really comfortable with what Mitch has shown us. He’s a guy that came to us with franchise quarterback experience if you will. He’s comfortable in those shoes and a focal point of the football team and organization. He’s had success doing so. He took the Bears to the playoffs two out of four years and he has a winning record as a starting quarterback.”

Kenny Pickett is listed as the backup quarterback behind Trubisky. Both of those guys bring mobility, but Tomlin became impressed quickly by Trubsiky’s ability to create things outside of the pocket. As such, Trubisky had the leg up from the time he signed. Now, he has the opportunity to prove his worth to the Steelers as the starter.

“His athleticism and mobility were attractive to us,” Tomlin said. “He took care of the football in-stadium. All of our quarterbacks, and I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that. It’s good to come to decisions based on what people are doing as opposed to what they are not doing. I thought all three quarterbacks represented themselves well.”

Tomlin noted that the decision-making process was “challenging” and “fun”, but in the end, Trubisky wins the starting job. Mason Rudolph was listed as the Steelers’ third quarterback on their updated depth chart. However, it is Trubisky’s show until further notice.