When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky in the off-season, it was assumed that he would be the starter for the 2022 season. Then, rookie, Kenny Pickett fell to the organization and was selected 20th overall in last April's NFL Draft. He replaced the veteran signal-caller in Week 4 after halftime against the New York Jets. Up to that point, Trubisky had thrown just two touchdowns and four interceptions for the season. That wasn't the only thing that may have factored into the decision as he apparently got into a heated argument with one of his receivers during the break.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) warms up for a 2022 preseason game. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the main reasons for Trubisky's benching was because of what happened in the locker room at halftime between he and wide receiver, Diontae Johnson:
"According to sources, Johnson began yelling at Trubisky to throw him the ball more... Trubisky stood up to Johnson and a heated exchange occurred. That’s when Pickett was told he would start the second half."
In the midst of a potential quarterback controversy leading into the Week 15 game versus the Carolina Panthers, many have speculated if head coach, Mike Tomlin may turn to third-string signal-caller, Mason Rudolph instead of Trubisky, who threw three interceptions in relief almost a week ago. Pickett is currently in the concussion protocol and has not yet been cleared for contact.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph (#2) takes off on a 26-yard scramble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Pittsburgh, PA, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
It appears as if Johnson is not over the frustration he showed earlier in the season with Trubisky, even though he was the backup quarterback's top target on Sunday, hauling in six receptions after Pickett's departure. The pass catcher wants to see Rudolph get an opportunity:
"I want to see him play,” Johnson said on Thursday. “I know he’s ready to play. I know it’s probably in the back of his mind, ‘Dang, when am I going to get my chance?’ I feel like this week is it for him. I know he’s going to do everything it takes to be prepared this week and get ready for Sunday."
The compliments from Johnson continued and he was not shy in showing his support of Rudolph. He said that the veteran has worked extremely hard despite being named the third-string at the beginning of the season:
"You see a guy who comes in every day, just puts his head down and works. The circumstances he’s dealing with might be tough, coming to work and not dressing every week and seeing everybody play and it’s going through his head."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson (#18) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium before the start of a 2022 preseason game. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The relationship between the two seems to extend off the field as well. The comments from Johnson imply he sees Rudolph as a close friend and their chemistry on the field may be stronger and more beneficial than with Trubisky:
"He’s been doing a great job of staying solid through everything. He continues to get better every day. He’s locked in, making those throws, continually showing he knows what he’s doing. He’s getting everybody lined up. I like that. That’s my guy still."
Time will tell who Tomlin decides to start if Pickett can't escape the protocol, but Johnson is not hiding how he feels about the situation. He obviously does not want Trubisky to be the guy leading the offense.
Do you think that Johnson's comments are a bit unprofessional or simply the truth? Let us know in the comments below!
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