The Steelers open practice for Sunday’s game at Carolina with uncertainty at the quarterback position, with Kenny Pickett still in concussion protocol as of yesterday. At his weekly news conference, coach Mike Tomlin said he will let the medical evaluations be his guide while preparing Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph to play if Pickett can’t play.
Tomlin said Pickett would start if he clears the protocol. No matter who plays quarterback, Tomlin says he is confident the job will get done.
As to Carolina, which fired coach Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start and installed defensive pass game coordinator Steve Wilks as their interim coach, they have played well in recent weeks and put themselves back into playoff contention in the weak NFC South. Tomlin admires the Panthers’ adaptability.
The Panthers and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo (the Homer City native) will certainly look to exploit the Steelers’ ragged run defense. Tomlin says they have had a problem making the plays to get off the field, wearing down late in games because of it.
Defensive lineman Chris Wormley will have surgery to repair the knee injury he suffered on Sunday. Tomlin also said tight end Pat Freiermuth will be limited by a foot injury.
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