Much of the NFL world was stunned to see rookie Kenny Pickett listed behind both Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback depth chart. As it turns out, it was simply a minor error.
Per The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that a “clerical error” is why Pickett was listed as the third-stringer behind Trubisky and Rudolph. The Steelers have since updated the depth chart, and Pickett is now listed as Trubisky’s backup.
The Steelers’ quarterback competition was one of the most followed training camp battles of 2022. Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement after 18 seasons, and the Steelers moved quickly to find a potential replacement in free agency.
Trubisky, who was drafted second overall by the Chicago Bears in 2017, signed a two-year deal worth $14.2 million with the Steelers in free agency. A month later, the Steelers drafted Pittsburgh product with the No. 20 selection.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Pickett was the only quarterback taken within the first 73 selections. With the 74th pick, the Atlanta Falcons took Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder. Like Pickett, Ridder will serve as a back up to begin his professional career.
Pickett turned heads with a strong preseason performance, and many believed that he would win the starting quarterback job. But Tomlin ultimately decided to settle on the one-time Pro Bowler with 50 career starts under his belt.
Rudolph enters his fourth season with the Steelers. The 2018 third-round pick has made 10 starts up to this point, sporting a 5-4-1 record with 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
The Steelers will open their 2022 season against Joe Burrow and the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Pittsburgh hasn’t endured a losing season since 2003, and they’ll try to keep the streak intact without Roethlisberger on the roster for the first time in 19 years.
