Steelers beat writer makes strong statement on QB battle after minicamps this week
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't name a starting quarterback this week during minicamp practices. Pittsburgh, of course, was never going to name a starter this week. In fact, it will probably be late in training camp before the Steelers tell us who their starting quarterback will be for the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't name a starting quarterback this week during minicamp practices.
Pittsburgh, of course, was never going to name a starter this week. In fact, it will probably be late in training camp before the Steelers tell us who their starting quarterback will be for the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 11.
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly, however, feels like he has a decent read on the quarterback battle so far — based on the actions of the Steelers and what he's seen in minicamps and OTAs.
Kaboly noted that free-agent addition Mitch Trubisky received all of the first-team reps this week, something that was by design according to Pittsburgh's coaching staff.
“I think Coach has been very clear that Mitch is No. 1, working with the ones and doing a really good job with that. Mason is No. 2, and Kenny is No. 3 and we are working that way based on experience, based on résumé,” said offensive coordinator Matt Canada this week.
Kaboly feels like Trubisky, despite the message coming from the Steelers, will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback in week one against the Bengals.
"I don’t know how you can look at what Trubisky was afforded to do (getting all of the first-team reps) and think he’s not almost assured of being the starter for the season opener," wrote Kaboly on Friday.
The Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round with the hope that he'll be Pittsburgh's long-term answer at quarterback. But with Trubisky (who has the most starting experience on their roster) in the mix, the Steelers can afford to be patient with Pickett (and they need to be).
I'm with Kaboly on this — I'd be surprised if Trubisky isn't the guy in week one.
Now, what happens later in the season with Pickett and Trubisky? I'm not sure. It really depends on how Trubisky performs. If the Steelers are winning, I don't see them turning to Pickett. But if losses pile up and Trubisky isn't playing at a high level, it's highly likely that we see Pickett by the end of the year.
It's worth noting that Mason Rudolph is currently operating as the No. 2 quarterback, but that's based simply on experience. I'd look for Pickett to pass Rudolph on the depth chart by the end of training camp.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
