Daily camp report: Kenny Pickett in line for more 'varsity-like action' in Steelers' 2nd preseason game

Kenny Pickett’s work as the second-team quarterback in training camp this week is preparing him for an expanded role Saturday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason game.

Pickett was the No. 3 quarterback in the opener against Seattle. He played the second half and threw two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with three seconds left, in a 32-25 victory.

In the three practices at Saint Vincent this week, Pickett got the bulk of the second-team work, with veteran Mason Rudolph getting the snaps with the third-teamers.

“It’s preparation more than anything,” coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday. “He’s going to get some reps and more varsity-like action in this game in an effort to get to know him and see how he fares. What he’s doing out here is just preparing him for it.”

Pickett completed 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and a 132.6 passer rating that was the highest of the three quarterbacks used in the game. He threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaylen Warren in the third quarter and a 24-yarder to wide receiver Tyler Vaughns in the waning seconds.

He also was sacked twice.

“I’m just hoping to go out and perform and move the offense and put points on the board like I did the last time,” Pickett said.

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Ball placement was a variable that Pickett planned to work on during practice this week.

“I felt I could have given the receivers better yard-after-catch opportunities,” he said.

Starter Mitch Trubisky played two series against Seattle before Rudolph entered and played the remainder of the half.

Tomlin will reveal Thursday the division of labor at quarterback. Judging by the rotation in previous seasons, Trubisky will start and play much of the first half.

In previous years, when the Steelers had four preseason games, the penultimate game of the preseason was viewed as the dress rehearsal for the regular season. The last week was used to evaluate players competing for final spots on the roster.

“I don’t know that I’m addressing this game as a dress rehearsal,” Tomlin said. “We’re doing more game planning as a part of the evolution and development. We’ll get to next week next week.”

The Steelers practiced running scripted plays off cards, which gave fourth-string quarterback Chris Oladokun a chance to work with the scout-team offense. Oladokun took his first meaningful snaps of camp.

“He did some good things,” Tomlin said. “He’s been working diligently. He’s locked in. I appreciate his approach to business and the level of maturity he’s displaying. It’s only a matter of time before he gets more physical reps to show what he is capable of.”

The only Steelers player to sustain an injury in practice Thursday was defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (ribs). Tomlin provided no other updates.

Running back Master Teague III, who injured his left foot in practice Wednesday, had his foot in a boot and was using a cane to walk.