A losing record and lackluster offense may not have been enough to cost Mitchell Trubisky his job as the Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB. He a halftime confrontation with WR Diontae Johnson that led to rookie Kenny Pickett replacing him.

Steelers Mitch Trubisky and Diontae Johnson. Photo courtsey of All Steelers on FanNation

Trubisky was benched in favor of Pickett in the second half of Pittsburgh’s Week 4 loss to the New York Jets. He would have remained under center after halftime, but got into a heated argument with Johnson, who felt he was being ignored, according to the Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac.

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson. Photo courtsey of NBC Sports

When Trubisky yelled back at Johnson in the locker room on October 3, he was told by the coaching staff that Pickett would be taking over as QB. The Steelers ultimately lost 24-20 to the Jets as Pickett tossed three interceptions while completing 10 of 13 passes.

Pickett started the following week in a loss to the Buffalo Bills, completing 34 of 52 passes for 324 yards and threw another interception.

Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett. Photo courtsey ofNBC Sports

Pickett may have been at his best on Sunday against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 11 of 18 passes and throwing his first touchdown pass, until he was sidelined with a concussion.

Trubisky then came off the bench to lead Pittsburgh to the 20-18 win with a touchdown pass of his own and 144 yards on 9-of-12 passing.

Pickett’s status for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins remains unclear, but Trubisky would be expected to play if the rookie is out following last week’s head injury. On Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett is still in the concussion protocol, adding: ‘If he can play, he’ll play.’

Shares:

Drop a Reply