Who will start for Steelers if Kenny Pickett can’t play? Mike Tomlin has no answer

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn’t commit to a starting quarterback if Kenny Pickett is forced out this week. 

The Steelers may have a decision to make at quarterback this week.

While none of it will impact Kenny Pickett’s future — he’s still entrenched as the starter when he gets back — a looming concussion could force the Steelers QB out of action against the Carolina Panthers.

If Pittsburgh has learned anything this season, it’s to not put their future at risk. The Steelers started Mitch Trubisky to begin the year for that very reason. Anyone who suggests otherwise, doesn’t understand Mike Tomlin. His defensive background almost forces him to play it safe, for better or worse.

But in the case of which backup quarterback would start next week were Pickett not to play, Tomlin has yet to make up his mind.

Who should start for Steelers, Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph?

As tough of an argument as it may be to make, the Steelers should stick with Mitch Trubisky if Kenny Pickett cannot play this week.

Trubisky has taken the backup reps for weeks now, and was forced into action unexpectedly against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has a tough defense and pressures the quarterback well. Trubisky didn’t work with the No. 1’s for weeks after his removal as starter, when Pickett was given control of the offense.

Without Pickett at practice, Trubisky will be placed into a familiar role, as he started the first few weeks of the regular season. Tomlin has proven he has very little faith in Mason Rudolph moving forward, even after giving him a chance at the starting QB spot in training camp.

Rudolph, for the record, did not deem that opportunity as sincere.

There’s very little value in playing Rudolph, who will be a free agent after this season, over Trubisky. Mitch will more than likely be the backup to Pickett in Pittsburgh next year, as he signed a multiyear contract.

Let Trubisky get his reps with the starters, and odds are he’ll look a lot better if called upon. Turnovers and over-aggression doomed the Steelers last Sunday. As long as he can avoid similar mistakes, Trubisky is a suitable replacement for Pickett.