Steelers Keeping Kenny Pickett As QB1 On The Depth Chart Despite Moving Forward With Mason Rudolph Could Be Important

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room has been a rollercoaster over the last few weeks of the regular season. Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett went down with an ankle injury in Week 13 in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and was expected to miss some time. During that time, Mitch Trubisky started two games, both losses, before being benched in favor of Mason Rudolph. Rudolph has since led the Steelers to three straight victories and a playoff spot, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced on Tuesday that he would be the starter on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Despite all of this, a healthy Pickett remains the starting quarterback on the team's depth chart. 

Steelers' Kenny Pickett Remains At The Top Of The Depth Chart

Since Rudolph got hot in a Week 16 blowout of the Cincinnati Bengals, it was pretty obvious to most that he would start the remainder of the season. Especially since he played the Steelers into the postseason. Many find it strange that Pickett hasn't been moved down the depth chart in recent weeks, which Tomlin was asked about in his press conference Tuesday.

"Would it make you feel better if I did? We're going about our business, cultivating a plan to win this week. We could care less about division of labor in terms of what's on pieces of paper and depth charts and so forth. And, more strategically how we utilize the tools at our disposal in an effort to secure a victory. I've been transparent with you guys, he's [Rudolph] got the hot hand, he's gonna maintain control of the ball. I don't know why that is an issue to be quite honest with you."

Tomlin clearly see's no issue with the depth chart still saying that Pickett is the team's starting quarterback, even though Rudolph has started the last three games and will start in the Wild Card round. It is likely that Tomlin and the rest of the organization still views Pickett as the starting quarterback and he will be moving forward into next season. However, Rudolph has played too well in recent weeks in his absence to take the ball away from him.

The Steelers do in fact usually update their depth charts accordingly, which was pointed out by Chris Adamski. This season especially, it is evident. The Steelers began the year by not starting a lot of their featured rookies, and instead allowed them some time to stay on the sidelines and learn from the players in front of them. Adamski recognized how when rookies were inserted into the starting lineup, or when they moved up in the lineup, the depth chart was changed accordingly. 

"When Broderick Jones replaced Chukwuma Okorafor, depth chart was updated. Joey Porter Jr. replaced Levi Wallace, depth chart was updated. Keeanu Benton moved ahead of Montravius Adams, depth chart was updated. Mason moved ahead of Mitch, depth chart was updated! So certainly, as non-binding as it is, Steelers do update depth charts."

It is certainly strange that Tomlin and the Steelers refuse to remove Pickett from the starting quarterback spot on the team's depth chart. It likely isn't a big deal. It could be a clerical error. However, the organization did use a first-round pick on Pickett in 2022, and admitting they are already giving up on him would be a bad look for Pittsburgh. 

Rudolph certainly deserves the chance to continue to start for the Steelers in the playoffs. He has led them to three consecutive victories, two of which being in enemy territory. He has yet to throw an interception this season, and has reached a quarterback rating of over 110 in all three starts. He has thrown for 716 yards and three touchdowns in these must-win games, while completing nearly 75 percent of his passes. Taking the ball out of his hands going into the playoffs would be a mistake, and the Steelers have no choice but to ride the hot hand. 

What do you think of the Steelers not changing their depth chart? Let us know in the comments below!

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