PFF: Mitch Trubisky the Worst QB in NFL in Week 8

After throwing two interceptions against the Jaguars, Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky will look for a bounce-back game against the Titans on Thursday if he has to start in the place of the banged-up Kenny Pickett, who is dealing with a rib injury. But how poor was his play in relief of Pickett, though? Trubisky ranked dead last in grades for quarterbacks in the NFL who registered more than half of their team’s dropbacks from Pro Football Focus.

PFF gave him a 42.3 grade, meaning Trubisky just slightly beat out P.J. Walker for that distinction. Given that Trubisky threw two interceptions, their grading scale will negatively weigh that. More than that, they will hammer down on turnover-worthy plays. Since Trubisky had two, they got him dropped even more down the scale.

The Steelers have already revealed that if Pickett can not go, Mitch Trubisky will start. Pickett is trending toward being a game-time decision on Thursday night. Tomlin said that he would try to practice with the team this week. In their estimated practice report on Monday, Pickett was listed as a limited participant.

Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky looks to run the ball vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars / Ed Thompson

Trubisky came on in relief after Pickett was injured in the second quarter of a 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Acrisure 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 to mixed results.