PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is out Saturday against the Bengals, according to coach Mike Tomlin, who officially named Mason Rudolph as the starter.
Pickett, who underwent «TightRope» surgery on his right ankle less than three weeks ago, returned to practice this week and was a limited participant each day.
Tomlin said Monday that the door was «ajar» for Pickett to play against Cincinnati, but he ultimately ruled out the second-year quarterback immediately after Thursday's practice.
Rudolph, who has not started a game since the 2021 season, said Tuesday that his teammates were «excited for me» and added that he was excited to «put my hand in the pile and go fight for a victory.» Tomlin also announced that Mitch Trubisky, who started each of Pittsburgh's past two games in place of the injured Pickett, would serve as Rudolph's backup Saturday against Cincinnati.