Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: Kenny Pickett will start at Carolina if cleared from concussion protocol

Mike Tomlin said it’s too soon to know whether Kenny Pickett will be cleared to return from concussion protocol to start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Carolina.

Tomlin also believes it is premature to name a starting quarterback in the event Pickett cannot play against the Panthers.

At his weekly news conference, Tomlin said Pickett, the team’s rookie first-round pick from Pitt, was visiting with doctors Tuesday. The result of that visit could determine how soon he can begin practicing and playing.

“Participation is big for him, and the quality of that participation,” Tomlin said. “The last time he sustained a concussion, he was in the protocol but allowed to work. We’ll see what this procedure is like.”

If deemed healthy, Pickett will start against the Panthers.

“If he’s cleared,” Tomlin reiterated.

When Pickett was concussed in Week 6 against Tampa Bay, he returned to practice the following Wednesday and was a full participant for three days and started the next game at Miami.

With Pickett entering the protocol for the second time in eight games, Tomlin said he won’t proceed with more caution regarding his quarterback’s return.

“Not at all,” he said. “I’m really comfortable with where we are. When we’ve had injuries of this nature, I’ve got nothing but great admiration and respect for our medical experts. People come from all over the world to visit with our guys and from other sports as well. I’ll let them do what it is they do.”

Pickett was taken to the medical tent and evaluated after he was sacked on his fifth snap. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith slammed Pickett to the ground while holding onto the quarterback’s facemask. The play did not result in a roughing-the-passer flag.

“He was cleared to continue, but even though we clear someone to continue, oftentimes they are continually evaluated throughout the process of the game,” Tomlin said. “That is what transpired.”

Pickett returned to the game but only for one more series: a three-and-out. Mitch Trubisky played the rest of the way in the Steelers’ 16-14 loss.

Tomlin said he had no issue with the way the protocol was handled by the Steelers.

“I know anytime there’s an injury, you guys love to chew that up over the course of the week,” he said. “When someone’s in the protocol, he is evaluated by the experts. They’re either cleared to participate or not. Even when they are, which he was, they watched him continually. As they continued to watch him, they decided to pull him, and that’s the reality of it.”

After Trubisky replaced Pickett, he completed 22 of 30 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown. He also threw three interceptions on passes that changed hands inside the red zone.

Trubisky opened the season as the starter until he was replaced by Pickett at halftime of Week 4 against the New York Jets. He also was the first quarterback off the bench when Pickett exited against Tampa Bay and led the Steelers to a comeback win.

“He moved the ball fluidly, continually, and that’s what you better have with a veteran backup like him,” Tomlin said. “The reps that he misses during the week are made up for by his cumulative experience and expertise. We felt that. We didn’t feel any reduction in what we intended to do after Kenny went down.”

Still, Tomlin said Trubisky won’t automatically be the starter if Pickett isn’t cleared to play against the Panthers. Fifth-year quarterback Mason Rudolph remains an option, with Tomlin referring to his backups as “2 and 2a.”

“I’m going to work both guys this week, if given the opportunity, if (Pickett) isn’t able to participate,” Tomlin said. “I’m taking it day-by-day with the quarterback decision-making standpoint. His availability is such a component of it.”

Rudolph hasn’t taken a snap in a game since the preseason and has spent the entire year third on the depth chart.

“I see the same guy,” Tomlin said. “I still see the same level of urgency, attention to detail and competitive spirit.”