Mitch Trubisky Will Start for Steelers if Kenny Pickett Can’t

PITTSBURGH — Despite a three-interception relief performance on Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Mitch Trubisky will start against the Tennesee Titans on Thursday if Kenny Pickett is unable to.

Pickett is trending toward being a game-time decision on Thursday night. Tomlin said that he will try to practice with the team this week, likely on Wednesday.

RELATED: Tomlin: Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Could Play vs. Titans

Trubisky came on in relief after Pickett was injured in the second quarter of what became a 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Acirsure Stadium.

He completed 15 of 27 for 138 yards, one touchdown and the three picks for a 51.2 passer rating. After the game, Trubisky took responsibility for the interceptions and said he needs to be more patient in those moments and not force the ball down the field.

“Forced the throw on my part, trying to make a play downfield,” Trubisky said. “They were playing a lot of (cover) two in the second half with us playing behind. We needed to push the ball down the field a little bit. … It was a force. Good play by them. That’s on me. I’ve got to be better. Take what they gave me. Especially with us only being down seven at that point, I should have probably checked it down. Hopefully, we’ll move on from there.”

Trubisky has replaced Pickett in five games since the younger quarterback took over the starting job early in 2022. He was 9 of 12 for 144 yards and a touchdown for a 142.4 passer rating while leading a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. He also threw three interceptions in a home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

One the whole, the Steelers have not gotten drastically different quarterback play whether Pickett or Trubisky is in the lineup. Since the start of the 2022 season, Trubisky is 135 of 212 (63.7%) for 1,408 yards (4.93 ANY/A), five touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 76.9 passer rating.

In the same span, Pickett is 122 of 200 (61%) for 1,330 yards (5.18 ANY/A), 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a 78.0 passer rating.

The only other quarterback on the Steelers’ roster is third-stringer Mason Rudolph. He has been active for only one game since the end of the 2021 season. His last start was on Nov. 14, 2021, when he completed 30 of 50 for 242 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a tie against the Detroit Lions.