Mitch Trubisky expected to start with Kenny Pickett injured in Week 15

Saturday update: With Pickett doubtful to play, the Steelers are already essentially ruling him out for Week 15 vs. the Panthers. Trubisky will start for the Steelers on Sunday afternoon in place of Pickett, who is dealing with a concussion. Chances are Pickett will be ruled inactive and Rudolph will serve as the backup QB for Pittsburgh in a key game.

Friday update: Pickett will be listed as doubtful, per Brian Batko. Mike Tomlin still hasn’t named a starter between Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky, but it sounds like he will on Saturday.

Thursday update: Pickett got in another limited practice session on Thursday, so it’s hard to really tell if he has progressed in the concussion protocol. We probably won’t have a good idea until the final injury report on Friday, but he does have a chance to be cleared.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was back at practice on Wednesday after missing most of last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a head injury that he sustained during the game. He was put into concussion protocol for the second time this season, but is back on the field ahead of this Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Fantasy football implications for Week 15

Backup and former starter Mitch Trubisky struggled when he stepped in after Pickett’s injury last week, throwing three interceptions, although he went 22-for-30. However, Mike Tomlin may choose to start Mason Rudolph in place of Trubisky. Rudolph has been getting practice reps with the starting offense this week.

If Pickett is fully healthy, they’ll start him, but with concussion protocol, it can be difficult to get a clear picture of the recovery time. Pickett also ran practice drills when he had a concussion earlier this season, so that’s not necessarily an indication that he’ll be cleared to play.