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Mitch Trubisky to Start at Quarterback for Steelers vs. Panthers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will name Mitch Trubisky as the team’s starting quarterback for their Week 15 game at the Carolina Panthers, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Starter Kenny Pickett remains in the NFL concussion protocol and was a limited participant in practice all week. He has not been ruled out for the game, but is listed as doubtful to play.

Trubisky has filled in for Pickett twice after the young starter suffered a concussion. He had had best game of the season in relief in a Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After Pickett was injured in the opening series against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, Trubisky moved the Steelers down the field on a quick scoring drive, but later had three critical interceptions — all inside the Baltimore 10-yard line — that help cost the Steelers the game.

Trubisky’s up-and-down performance opened the door for Mason Rudolph to potentially start this week. The two veteran signal callers split the practice reps this week, and head coach Mike Tomlin was unwilling to name a starter in place of Pickett after Friday’s practice.

The three quarterbacks battled throughout the offseason to be the team’s starter, but Trubisky was placed at the top of the depth chart at the start of training camp and never really moved from that spot, despite an up-and-down performance.

Trubisky started the Steelers’ first four games of the season before being benched at halftime of Week 4 against the New York Jets. In his four starts this season, Trubisky has completed 69 of 116 passes for 653 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 73.7 passer rating.

He is under contract with the Steelers for the 2023 season, while Rudolph is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, which could have played into Tomlin’s decision to start Trubisky.

If Pickett is ruled out, Rudolph will likely dress as Trubisky’s backup, getting a helmet for the first time this season. Tight end Zach Gentry is the team’s emergency quarterback.