Mike Tomlin Not Ready to Name Starting Quarterback
The Steelers may play no more games before they head to Cincinnati in a week and a half, but Mike Tomlin has no starter at quarterback to name just yet. After saying last week that he would name the starter at the team’s leisure, Tomlin is still not backing off that sentiment.
Tomlin is looking for the competition to continue carrying out. While the decision is likely already made, Tomlin has plenty of motivation to keep going to the public. For one, the Bengals would have to prepare for multiple quarterbacks. Even if they expect Mitch Trubisky, there is always that chance.
“No, I’m not,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “Who’s to say it’s not settled? I’m just not making any announcements.”
The likely starter will be Trubisky, who has taken first team reps throughout the majority of training camp. Still, Tomlin is not tipping who it might be just yet. Steelers offenisve coordinator Matt Canada has been particularly impressed by what Kenny Pickett has put out on tape thus far. Pickett’s maturity has grown leaps and bounds, and that is what makes Canada so excited.
“But as far as if I feel comfortable, I feel very comfortable with Kenny Pickett in any role,” Canada said. I think he’s had a tremendous camp. I think he’s shown growth from day one of rookie minicamp to as we went through OTAs. He did some things that looked like a rookie and he’s still going to be a rookie, but I think he’s progressed as well as we would hope that he would.”
As much as the expected starter is Trubisky, Pickett’s preseason showcased an advanced player who could be ready to play soon. Even as the season goes on, this battle may not be truly over if Trubisky’s play slips at all during the season. Either way, it is unlikely for Tomlin to announce anything until next week at the earliest.
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