Steelers: Sure sounds like Diontae Johnson wants Kenny Pickett to start Week 1

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson weighed in on the team’s quarterback situation, with Kenny Pickett getting a vote of confidence.

The former Pitt quarterback turned Steelers first-round draft pick is in the running for the team’s starting QB spot. However, Mitch Trubisky remains the favorite as the Steelers’ high-priced free agent acquisition this offseason.

Yet, Pickett has impressed so far in the preseason, and even got some reps with the first team in a brief appearance against Jacksonville. No. 1 wideout Diontae Johnson liked what he saw.

“Everyone respects him in the huddle, so whenever he comes in the huddle, he takes charge,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen that early in training camp as well. Like I said, everyone’s comfortable with him in there.”

Steelers: Could Kenny Pickett start Week 1?

It’s unlikely that Pickett starts right away for several reasons, the first of which is outlined above. Trubisky was brought in on a short-term deal as a bridge quarterback. That has been the Steelers plan all along, and they’re unlikely to alter it now even with Pickett performing well.

Trubisky is capable enough on the move to succeed in Matt Canada’s offense right away. Pickett still needs to develop, despite some relative preseason success. By midseason, that could easily change.

The good news for Pittsburgh and Pickett is that leaders on offense like Johnson are already comfortable with him at the helm. When the time comes — whenever it may be — he’ll have the confidence of the team around him in the huddle. That’s huge for any rookie quarterbacks, and it’s all thanks to his recent in-game experience, as well as success in practice.

Pickett’s training camp has been far from perfect, but finally, things are rounding into form for him and the team.