The timing of the short week leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers-Tennessee Titans game is unfortunate as two key players, Kenny Pickett (ribs) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring), were injured in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Given the need to cram player preparation into four days, Mike Tomlin has already ruled Fitzpatrick out for Thursday Night Football.
Tomlin spoke to the significance of losing a player of his caliber during his weekly press conference. “It’s a multi-man job, not a one-man job when you’re talking about replacing a playmaker, whether playmaking ability or his communication ability.”
He expects veterans like Miles Killebrew, Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal to lessen the impact of Fitzpatrick’s absence.
As for Pickett, Tomlin said that the team is taking to the practice field on Wednesday, and they’ll see where he stands at that point. Mitch Trubisky will start if Pickett can’t go.
Mike Tomlin said S Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) will not play vs. Titans, but he will "leave the door ajar" for Kenny Pickett (ribs). He said it will be a game-time decision to see Pickett's "ability to throw and his comfort."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 30, 2023
