Mike Tomlin is often known for keeping his cards close to his vest. He did so in reference to his contract situation after Pittsburgh’s 2023 Wild Card playoff loss, with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett’s QB battle, and most recently, with the Justin Fields and Russell Wilson drama.
While many fans could read the room and find little clues that were pointing to Wilson’s inevitable start in Week 7, Tomlin had never directly come out and named him starter.
Tomlin had done something similar in the buildup to Week 1’s game against Atlanta, forcing the Falcons to game plan for both QBs, much to the chagrin of media reporters looking for a definitive answer.
Tomlin won’t name starting QB for Sunday Night. What is this high school? College football? What are we doing here? It’s gonna get out before Sunday night. One way or the other. pic.twitter.com/wqfth46ekv
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) October 18, 2024
However, WR George Pickens, who has had media availability issues in the past, spilled the beans and foiled Tomlin’s plans by declaring Week 7 would be Wilson’s “first start”. Will there be repercussions for the receiver’s slip-up?