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Brooke Pryor, ESPN Staff Writer
PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Kenny Pickett left no doubt he would start Thursday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans, despite exiting at halftime of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ loss with injured ribs on Sunday.
“I’m playing for sure,” Pickett said after Tuesday’s walkthrough.
Earlier in the week, coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett, who didn’t sustain any structural damage to his ribs, would be a “game-time decision,” and Wednesday’s “functional” practice would be key in determining his availability.
“We’ll see how we go through the week,” Tomlin said Monday. “His ability to throw his level of comfort, his of effectiveness, et cetera, and let that be our guide in terms of determining his availability.”
With Tuesday’s light practice on a short week, Pickett said he participated “as much everyone else,” and he felt “good.”
“Obviously, it’ll be better in a couple days, but it’s still early,” he said.
Pickett sustained the injury with 17 seconds left in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars when defensive end Adam Gotsis drilled him on a pass rush. A flag wasn’t thrown for roughing the passer, but Pickett remained on the ground for several moments after the hit as trainers came out to tend to him.
“I’ve had a couple where I feel like I was going to get some,” Pickett said, asked if he was surprised by the lack of penalty on the play. “But I haven’t gotten them yet, so it is what it is. Just got to keep playing.”
Pickett tried to play after halftime and warmed up on the sideline with several throws before determining that he couldn’t return.
“I felt like I couldn’t throw it the way I needed to throw it to help us win.” he said. “So listening to what the doctor said and go for there.”
Pickett, who completed 10 of 16 attempt for 73 yards prior to the injury, said he’s never had this kind of ribs injury, and he’ll wear the same protective vest on Thursday that he typically wears with his uniform and pads. He admitted the injury does affect his throwing motion and mechanics.
“When I’m coming through, being able to have torque, rotating,” the quarterback said. “Obviously your ribs are a huge part of that, so just being smart these two days and get ready to go Thursday night.”