Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is not happy with reports that he declined to participate in Sunday's game against the Seahawks as a backup.
Pickett, who was demoted to the No. 2 quarterback behind Mason Rudolph, says he was inactive Sunday because he has not been medically cleared to return from ankle surgery. He was cleared to play this week and says he's ready to do whatever he has to do as Rudolph's backup in a crucial game against the Ravens.
“I've seen reports that felt like they were attacking my character and how I am as a person,” Pickett told reporters in the Steelers' locker room today. “There was no talk of me being a backup quarterback this week in terms of being the No. 2. If I'm healthy enough to play, and if the coaches feel like I look good enough to play, then I'll start and play. If they think I'm not, which they thought I'm not Also, I'm not going to get dressed up and down for the game. So whoever reported this, I don't know where it started, it's crazy what people will write or put out there to try to prove their point or help their point of view or their career or what you guys are doing. I feel like Disappointed when I see that without any evidence or basis for it. So this week I'm now the second one, they're feeling good after four weeks of surgery for me to get dressed and be the second one, so I'll be the second person to be ready to go to Baltimore. If there are any more questions About that, I feel like I answered it pretty well there, and if there's anything else, any questions about Baltimore, we're headed to Baltimore.
Pickett is certainly disappointed that the Steelers are holding on to Rudolph, and this decision raises big questions about Pickett's future in Pittsburgh. But now that he's been told he's Rudolph's backup, he says he's ready to accept that and get ready to play one game.
“Coffee ninja. Web fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast. Professional creator.”