Steelers to Play Kenny Pickett One Series vs. Buccaneers

The Pittsburgh Steelers will play Kenny Pickett for one series against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pickett played significant amounts of time in the preseason last year with the quarterback battle ongoing, but as the entrenched starter this year, it appears that Mike Tomlin will only get the quarterback warmed up for when the team’s actual dress rehearsal is either against the Buffalo Bills or the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m comfortable with the number of games, but I’m always trying to figure out what’s appropriate in terms of work for this group individually and collectively,” Tomlin said. “We’ve got some young guys developing. While at the same time they have experience, it’s good to go through the process of game readiness, finding that rhythm and going out and executing, so I’m excited about participation.”

Tomlin noted that every healthy player would play in the game, but never specified how much. To him, this was more about feel and trying to see what would work generally rather than setting out a defined plan. But it appears that Kenny Pickett will not play much in the 2023 debut of the Steelers.

“I just think philosophically, I lean toward playing just in general,” Tomlin said. “I know there are different approaches to the preseason, and I respect the approaches and opinions of others, but that’s kind of always been in my comfort zone if we’re going to box we have to spar. If we need to get ready for the regular season, then preseason is an avenue in which to do it for individuals and collectives.”

Pickett will likely not be the only player to see this routine. Guys such as Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others are very likely to play a minimal amount of time if Pickett is playing sparsely. The game will be played in Tampa Bay at 7 p.m.