PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett is in the concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pickett took a hard sack at the end of the Steelers’ first drive, brought down by Roquan Smith after slipping out of the Ravens’ first sack attempt. He was spun around and slammed into the ground, and after coming to the sideline, was evaluated for a concussion in the injury tent.
Pickett was initially cleared and re-entered the game for a second drive — a quick three-and-out. But he didn’t come back out for the Steelers’ third drive, and instead, backup Mitch Trubisky checked in.
It’s not the first time Trubisky has finished a game for the rookie this season. Pickett also entered the concussion protocol in the first half in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Trubisky played the second half in the 20-18 Steelers win.
Trubisky gave the offense a spark Sunday, orchestrating a quick scoring drive with a 14-yard third-down pass to Pat Freiermuth and a 42-yard bomb to rookie wide receiver George Pickens. Running back Najee Harris capped off the drive with a one-yard score to pull the Steelers within three in the first quarter after the Ravens jumped out to a 10-7 lead.
Pickett finished his brief outing Sunday without a pass completion, though he did rush twice for 16 yards.