Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett returned to practice on Tuesday ahead of the Steelers’ Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pickett, who is recovering from an ankle injury and subsequent surgery that happened just over two weeks ago, was a limited participant in practice.
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett stretches and gets his ankle taped up before participating in practice today pic.twitter.com/O4piRPwG47
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 19, 2023
Kenny Pickett injury updates
Thursday update: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has ruled Kenny Pickett out for Saturday’s contest against the Bengals.
Wednesday PM update: Picket was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.
Pickett is still limited and may not be able to play this week against the Bengals. The Steelers game is scheduled for Saturday, which gives Pickett one less day to prepare. If Pickett doesn’t play, Mason Rudolph will start under center.
Fantasy football analysis
Kenny Pickett’s return to the field would be a positive for George Pickens’ fantasy managers. The Steelers WRs’ fantasy numbers have taken a hit with Mitch Trubisky at QB. Diontae Johnson actually excelled with Trubisky and had some great fantasy weeks, but he shouldn’t see much of a decrease if Pickett returns.
Betting analysis
If Pickett is fully healthy and recovered heading into this game, the Bengals may drop to underdogs. They currently sit as 1.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Steelers’ pivot to Mason Rudolph holds a lot of unknowns if Pickett does not play.