Questions are swirling around the Pittsburgh Steelers decision to make quarterback Kenny Pickett inactive for Sunday’s victory over the Seahawks, despite being medically cleared following ankle surgery.
The controversy deepened as local radio host Mark Madden of 105.9 in Pittsburgh claimed that Pickett had “100% refused” to be the backup to Mason Rudolph or the emergency third quarterback.
“Just got told that Pickett 100 percent refused to be the backup. That the Steelers writers know that but won’t write it,” Madden tweeted on X.
Just got told that Pickett 100 percent refused to be the backup. That the Steelers writers know that but won't write it.
— Mark Madden (@MarkMaddenX) January 1, 2024
In response, Pickett strongly refuted the claim during a meeting with reporters.
“I saw reports out there that I felt like were attacking my character and how I am as a person, not even getting into the player standpoint of it,” Pickett said.
“There was no talk of me being a backup quarterback this week in terms of being a two. If I was healthy enough to play and the trainers and coaches felt like I would look good enough to play, I was gonna start and play. If they believed I was not, which they believed I was not, I was not gonna dress and suit up for the game.”
“It’s kind of crazy what people will write and put out there to try to prove their point or help their standpoint or their careers in what you guys do. Disappointed to see that without any proof or basis of it,” he frustratingly added.
Kenny Pickett denies he refused to be the backup. pic.twitter.com/BqvRAs223X
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 2, 2024
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation and explained that Pickett was inactive because Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky had received more reps during practice.
Tomlin confirmed that Rudolph would remain the starter for the upcoming must-win season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.
Interestingly, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly hinted that Madden might be onto something with his report.
“KP [Kenny Pickett] didn’t dress because of his health yesterday but 12 hours later he’s fine and health is not an issue,” Kaboly tweeted on X.
KP didn’t dress because of his health yesterday but 12 hours later he’s fine and health is not an issue.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 1, 2024
“I’m very, very highly skeptical that it was 100 percent Mike Tomlin’s decision that Kenny Pickett did not dress,” Kaboly added during a radio appearance on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.
Pickett last played during a loss to the Arizona Cardinals on December 3 and missed subsequent games against the Patriots and Colts before being made inactive in Seattle.
The Steelers, with a record of 9-7, need a win against the Ravens, along with some favorable outcomes in other games, to secure a playoff spot.
Who do you believe – Madden on Pickett?
Regardless, what do you think the future looks like for Pickett in Pittsburgh?
Will the Steelers be able to squeak into the playoffs???