Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Wearing Ankle Brace in Warmups

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett warmed up with a brace on his injured right ankle in advance of his team’s Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

It’s not clear when Pickett first sustained the injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Pickett might be limited in practice this week by the issue. Pickett ended up being a full participant in practice all week.

Pickett himself brushed off the injury when he spoke with the media on Wednesday.

“Just throughout the game, just something that I have to manage,” he said. “I’ve had something similar before. Not too big of a deal.”

But it’s clear that he is still not 100% healthy.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett wears a brace in warmups before his team’s game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 3, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The second-year Steelers quarterback has missed time twice this season. He suffered a knee injury against the Houston Texans in Week 4 and then suffered a rib injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.

Both times he left the game and was replaced by Mitch Trubisky, but was able to return to the starting lineup the following week, so Pickett is no stranger to playing through pain.

Trubisky would be in line to replace Pickett if he’s unable to continue. Mason Rudolph is the emergency third quarterback. But there’s no indication that Pickett should be expected to miss time. He just might not be fully healthy as the Steelers face the Cardinals.

His banged-up ankle might make what could be uncertain footing at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday worse. The Steelers installed brand-new grass after the WPIAL championships last week, and it rained on-and-off throughout Sunday morning, presenting a slick track.

The Steelers have a short week after the Cardinals game, as they’ll host the New England Patriots for Thursday Night Football in Week 14.