Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Practices Again, Still Limited

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett at practice on Dec. 19, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

For the second consecutive day, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett participated in practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, though he again appeared to be limited in his mobility.

Pickett performed individual drills second in the pecking order behind Mason Rudolph, but ahead of Mitch Trubisky, during the early portion of practice on Wednesday. He appeared to be moving in a much more limited fashion than the other two, fully healthy quarterbacks.

Pickett is attempting to return just two weeks after having surgery to repair a right high ankle sprain that the suffered against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 2. He practiced for the first time since the injury on Tuesday and was characterized as limited.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that Pickett is still waiting on medical clearance, and will also have to demonstrate his ability to move well enough to protect himself in practice. If Pickett is unable to play, Mason Rudolph is expected to make his first start of the season. Usual backup Mitch Trubisky was benched after throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble in two and a half games of relief.

The Steelers went 0-3 in those three games. The team is now facing a near must-win game against the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday, and will do so likely uncertain as to who the quarterback will be until the very end of the practice week.

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