Steelers Injury Updates: Kenny Pickett in Concussion Protocol; Another DB Injury

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is in the NFL concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pickett hit the back of his head on the ground after taking a hit by Bucs linebacker Devin White just as he was releasing the ball. 

He was taken first to the medical tent on the Pittsburgh sideline and then the Steelers locker room for evaluation. The team announced that he had a concussion and would not return. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin did not have a significant update regarding Pickett in his postgame press conference other than to say that he is in the protocol. Mitch Trubisky, who replaced Pickett at quarterback, said he spoke with Pickett briefly after the win.

“I congratulated him on the win in the locker room,” Trubisky said. “We’re just going to take it day by day. We’ve got to get him back. We’ve got to get a lot of guys back.”

Four other Steelers suffered injuries during the game on Sunday. Cornerback James Pierre left the game late with a stinger. Inside linebacker Myles Jack was treated in the first half for a left ankle injury, then left the game again in the second half and did not return. Tomlin did not have updates on either of their statuses.

Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi also had a right ankle injury, but was able to return to the game.

The Steelers started the game with significant injuries, as starters Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pat Freiermuth, Cam Sutton, Levi Wallace and Ahekllo Witherspoon were all scratched due to injury. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III, safety Damontae Kazee, defensive end DeMarvin Leal and outside linebacker T.J. Watt are all on the short-term injured reserve list, but are eligible to come off for the Steelers’ Week 7 game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football next week.