Steelers Quarterback Kenny Pickett Among 3 Who Have Cleared Concussion Protocol

The Pittsburgh Steelers had three players going through the concussion protocol heading into the Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, tight end, Pat Freiermuth and cornerback, Levi Wallace were all participating in the necessary steps with the hopes of being set to play on Sunday. According to Burt Lauten, the organization's Senior Director of Communications, all three have been cleared and will be available for this weekend.

Pickett exited last Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a third quarter hit by linebacker, Devin White. Both Freiermuth and Wallace were inactive after suffering concussions in the previous week's contest against the Buffalo Bills.

It was originally believed that Mitch Trubisky would get the start given the NFL's new protocols. Very few players have played the following week in 2022 after suffering a concussion. Pickett is 55/83 for 514 yards and a touchdown this season and will have a huge weapon in Freiermuth back. The tight end has 232 yards receiving on 20 catches this season.

Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) lines up on the line of scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Pittsburgh's recently retired quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger gave his input on the quarterback situation on his weekly podcast, "Footbahling with Ben Roethlisberger" and had a feeling this would be the case.

"“It will be interesting to see what that looks like,” Roethlisberger said. “They are going down to Miami which has been dealing with their quarterback and concussions. Because he didn’t come back out on the field, it is going to be interesting to see if he goes this week. He’s a pretty tough kid. Mitch [Trubisky] saved the day recovering that fumble.

I don’t think Mitch is under the delusion he is going to win the job back. If Kenny is cleared to play this week, Kenny is starting. Even if he [Kenny] plays bad for a few weeks in a row"

Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Is Eligible To Return In Week 7, Which Could Be A Huge Addition To The Depleted Secondary

Defensively, Wallace will return to a depleted secondary that seems to be returning to full strength. The cornerback is second on the team with four passes defended this season and also has an interception. The Steelers are almost at full strength heading into the Sunday Night Football game against Miami. The defense especially will need all the help it can get facing an offense that is getting Tua Tagovailoa after he suffered a concussion a few weeks ago.

How much of a difference does it make that these three players, especially Pickett, have been cleared to play on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

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