Steelers notes: Kenny Pickett’s leadership skills were honed further over offseason

After four seasons starting at Pitt, Kenny Pickett entered the NFL with a reputation that as a starting quarterback he possessed the requisite leadership skills.

As Pickett enters a pro season for the first time as a starter, it’s clear that’s already become apparent to Pittsburgh Steelers teammates. Coach Mike Tomlin made certain he did everything in his power to ensure it was by way of regular communication with his 25-year-old starting quarterback summer workouts and training camp.

“He and I met every morning,” Tomlin told reporters after Saturday’s practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “To start a day we talked about a variety of things, leadership, things that come with being him.

“I want to be a part of his growth and development. I’m not going to sit on the side and hope that it happens. It happens in the ways that we need or want it to. And so, we’re intentionally constructing it.”

The Steelers traditionally announce their team captains on Labor Day. It is a virtual lock Pickett will be among them.

“Kenny is a very outward leader, a strong leader,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said. “A commanding leader.”

No practice

The Steelers canceled what was to be a rare Sunday practice at their facility, announcing the decision about four hours before it was scheduled to begin.

In lieu of the workout, the Steelers were to “take part in a team-building event.”

Tomlin typically will use one of his allotted days for an organized team activities practice each spring for such a purpose, for example taking players to a movie or to a go-kart track.

While the NFL preseason wrapped up Sunday night, the Steelers were one of four teams who played their final preseason game Thursday. In effect, that gave them three “bonus” days of regular-season practice,

The Steelers are scheduled to practice Monday and Wednesday this week before a league-mandated four-day player break over Labor Day weekend. Week 1 preparations begin in earnest Sept. 4.

1 more cut

The Steelers on Sunday announced the release of wide receiver Aron Cruickshank, which when coupled with the Kevin Dotson trade later that day trimmed their roster to 80. The deadline for NFL teams to cut down to the regular-season maximum 53 players is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

An undrafted rookie from Rutgers, Cruickshank spent six days with the Steelers. He was signed last week after being waived by the Chicago Bears. Cruickshank played 12 snaps during Thursday’s preseason game at the Atlanta Falcons, catching none of the three balls that were thrown his way and returning one punt for no gain.

The Steelers announced eight cuts Saturday.

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