Did the Steelers violate concussion protocol with Kenny Pickett?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are under fire for how they handled quarterback Kenny Pickett’s concussion protocol check in Week 14. However, it’s unlikely the Steelers did anything wrong.

Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was set to start his ninth game of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, as they hosted the rival Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately for Pickett, his day was cut short.

During the team’s opening drive, Pickett was brought down to the field hard on a sack by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. He left the game to get evaluated for a concussion the team’s sideline medical tent. On the team’s next drive, Pickett was good to go, as he was on the field leading the offense. After the drive ended with a three-and-out punt, Pickett was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky.

The team then announced that Pickett was in concussion protocol and ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Did Steelers violate concussion protocol with Kenny Pickett?

For those wondering if the Steelers violated protocol, considering Pickett was checked for a concussion and returned to the game one drive later. This may be a case of Pickett exhibiting worsening concussion symptoms.

Here is what the official concussion protocol says in regards to worsening concussion conditions:

"“Also, if the player demonstrates worsening or progressing symptoms at any point, he is to be brought to the  locker room for further evaluation including the complete NFL Locker Room Comprehensive Concussion Assessment unless clinically contraindicated. Only medical personnel deemed essential to the care of the athlete may be present for the tent and/or locker room evaluation. This includes the team physician best qualified to evaluate concussion, the Club athletic trainer, and the sideline Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC). The sideline UNC may present his/her own questions or conduct additional testing and shall not be prevented in from so doing.”"

Concussions have been a big topic of discussion in the NFL, especially with what happened with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earlier this year. Hence why there was a debate on social media regarding whether the Steelers violated protocol with Pickett.

This is now the second time that Pickett has been removed from a game due to a concussion this season.

We will wait and see what the Steelers say about the Pickett situation once their game against the Ravens concludes.