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Kenny Pickett Injury Update: What Happened to Kenny Pickett?
Kenny Pickett Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will be sidelined in Week 14 due to a high ankle sprain that required surgical intervention to expedite the healing process. Head coach Mike Tomlin provided the update on Pickett’s injury status, revealing that the surgery took place in the morning. Although specific details about the recovery timeline remain uncertain, Tomlin assured that the injury is not deemed season-ending.
Pickett initially sustained the high ankle sprain during the Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the injury, he played through the pain in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, wearing a brace on his ankle. The decision to undergo surgery suggests a commitment to a faster recovery and an eagerness to have Pickett back on the field as soon as possible.
In the absence of Pickett, the Steelers will turn to Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback, with Mason Rudolph serving as the backup. Trubisky has previously started for the team, holding a 2-3 record in such games. In the recent game against the Cardinals, Trubisky displayed efficiency by completing 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards and contributing a touchdown.
Coach Tomlin refrained from providing a definitive timetable for Pickett’s return, opting for a week-to-week assessment of the quarterback position. While the Steelers navigate the challenge without their starting quarterback, the hope remains that Pickett will recover and rejoin the team in the latter part of the season.
Who is Kenny Pickett?
Kenny Pickett is a prominent American football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). His football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he excelled as a quarterback. Pickett’s outstanding performance during his senior year earned him the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, a testament to his skill and leadership on the field. His remarkable collegiate career caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career in the NFL.
Hailing as a rising star, Kenny Pickett’s transition from college football to the NFL reflects his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. With a proven track record at the University of Pittsburgh and recognition with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Pickett is poised to make significant contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers as their quarterback. The first-round draft pick showcases the team’s confidence in his abilities, and fans can anticipate an exciting chapter in Pickett’s career as he takes on the challenges of professional football in the NFL.
Kenny Pickett Career
Kenny Pickett, born in the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, New Jersey, embarked on a notable football career that began at Ocean Township High School. Graduating in 2017, Pickett left a mark as the quarterback for the Spartans, leading them to the New Jersey Central Group III semifinals during his junior year with a 9–2 record. His impressive high school career, amassing 4,670 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and 873 rushing yards with 17 touchdowns, garnered attention, earning him the No. 23 ranking among high school football players in New Jersey by 247Sports.
Pickett’s college journey started at the University of Pittsburgh, where he initially served as a backup during his true freshman season in 2017. His breakout moment came in the final game of that season against the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes, where he led Pittsburgh to an upset victory, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. Over the subsequent years, Pickett solidified his position as the starting quarterback, leading Pittsburgh to their first-ever ACC Coastal Division Championship in 2018 and achieving success in subsequent seasons, including a thrilling victory in the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl.
The COVID-19 pandemic shortened the 2020 season, but Pickett and the Panthers still managed a 6–5 record. Taking advantage of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility, Pickett returned in 2021, culminating in a standout performance. He set school records with 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-American honors and placing third in Heisman Trophy voting. Pittsburgh won the ACC Championship, finishing 11–2 in games Pickett started.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (20th overall). Despite starting the season as a backup, he made his NFL debut in Week 4, showcasing his potential with impressive statistics. By Week 6, Pickett was named the starter and achieved his first career win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His rookie season was marked by late-game heroics, setting records as the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw game-winning touchdowns in the final minute of the fourth quarter in two consecutive games.
In the 2023 season, Pickett continued to make strides, displaying his prowess as a quarterback with notable performances, including his first professional game with multiple touchdown passes. Despite facing injuries, Pickett demonstrated resilience, leading the Steelers to victories and solidifying his promising career in the NFL.