Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin created a small controversy this week.

But it really shouldn't be a controversy at all.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, is in the concussion protocol and his status for this week's game against the Carolina Panthers is uncertain.

Offseason free agent addition Mitch Trubisky, who started the season as QB1 for the Steelers, played in relief of Pickett last week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Trubisky was "overly aggressive" against the Ravens which led to three interceptions and was likely the main reason for Pittsburgh's 16-14 loss.

On Tuesday, Tomlin wouldn't commit to Trubisky as the starter if Pickett can't go, essentially leaving the door open for Mason Rudolph to start against the Panthers on Sunday.

Coach Tomlin said he is taking Kenny Pickett's injury day-to-day and didn't specify if it would be Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph starting if Pickett can't play.

— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) December 13, 2022

I don't think there's any way that Tomlin goes with Rudolph against Carolina.

This is likely just some gamesmanship from Tomlin. The Panthers have been playing better under interim head coach Steve Wilks and he's probably just putting the Rudolph stuff out there so Carolina will have to watch a little more film this week.

Tomlin certainly didn't love the interceptions from Trubisky against the Ravens, but he likes the aggressiveness that the former North Carolina quarterback showed.

Tomlin on where line is with Mitch & his aggressiveness:

"That's a balance that we always walk, you know, aggressively pursuit of victory. I'd rather say whoa than sic 'em. It's something to manage, but I'd rather manage that than to manage the opposite of that." #Steelers #NFL

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 13, 2022

That comment combined with Tomlin's comment about Trubisky's veteran experience leads me to believe Trubisky will continue to serve as the top backup to Pickett.

Mike Tomlin on what he liked about Trubisky: "I thought we moved the ball fluidly, continually. That's what you better have when you have a veteran backup like him. The reps that he misses during the course of the week is made up for by his cumulative experience and expertise."

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 13, 2022

I really don't think there's anything to see here. It's just Tomlin making sure to not give too much away.

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