Steelers QB Kenny Pickett suffers concussion, leaves 1st career home start

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett left Sunday’s game during the third quarter and did not return because of a concussion.

The rookie first-round pick was hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White after releasing a pass from his own territory midway through the third quarter. Pickett was lying on the field for several moments after the play ended, causing an official to signal for a timeout and call the Steelers’ training staff onto the field.

Pickett ultimately stood up on his own power and was escorted by training staff to a medical table/tent on the Steelers’ sideline. After a short time, Pickett left the tent and retreated to the Steelers’ locker room.

More Steelers:

• Short-handed Steelers keep Brady out of the end zone, beat Bucs to stop skid
• 2 weeks after benching, Mitch Trubisky makes clutch plays in relief in preserving Steelers’ win
• Devin Bush delivers timely play on late 2-point try to help seal Steelers’ win
• Steven Sims calls his shot in producing big returns during 1st full game in role for Steelers

Mitch Trubisky replaced Pickett at quarterback and finished off a 20-18 victory that snapped a four-game losing streak. Two weeks prior, coach Mike Tomlin had Pickett replace an ineffective Trubisky at halftime of what ended up a home loss to the New York Jets. The 20^th overall draft pick out of Pitt, Pickett made his first NFL start in a 38-3 loss at the Buffalo Bills last week.

Trubisky said he spoke with Pickett after the game in the locker room. Tomlin provided no substantive update on Pickett’s condition.

Pickett was 11 for 18 for 67 yards, no interceptions and a touchdown pass — the first of his career — to Najee Harris before he left Sunday’s game. Pickett also had two rushes for 16 yards.

Jack, Ogunjobi return

Inside linebacker Myles Jack (ankle), center Mason Cole (lower left leg) and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (thigh) all briefly left Sunday’s game but returned to it.

Earlier this week, Cole’s right foot was in a boot, and he did not practice Wednesday or Thursday as a result.

Cornerback James Pierre did not return after suffering what Tomlin called “a stinger.” Pierre made his first start in more than a year Sunday.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.

More from Tim Benz:

• Feats of Strength: Trio of much maligned Steelers comes up huge as Steelers stun Buccaneers
• Madden Monday: 'If both quarterbacks are available, I would go with Mitch Trubisky'
• First Call: Bucs linebacker offers opinion on Steelers quarterbacks; Gerrit Cole, Clay Holmes keep Yankees alive