Kenny Pickett getting ‘varsity action’ as Steelers intrigue grows

Kenny Pickett delivered in his first taste of NFL action and the Steelers are ready to give him a bigger test.

The 24-year-old, whom the Steelers selected 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, will be the No. 2 quarterback entering Saturday’s preseason game against the Jaguars, behind free-agent signing Mitch Trubisky, after Pickett finished their win over the Seahawks last Saturday with a dramatic late touchdown.

“We just simply want to see Kenny in more varsity action,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Thursday. “We know more about Mason [Rudolph.] Mitch has been around the professional game, obviously.

“And so this is a big week for [Pickett] in terms of maybe getting in in the first half of this game. And, I would imagine, getting the opportunity to see front-line defenders for Jacksonville.”

Pickett had fans in Pittsburgh, where he starred in college, chanting his name after he completed 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns in the second half against Seattle, adding intrigue to the Steelers’ quarterback competition.

“You see him going through his reads better,” running back Najee Harris said, per ESPN. “He’s taking more control. He’s feeling more confident, and that’s really what he needs. He has talent, he just needs the confidence and the team to back him up, and the guys to do it. We’re that for him.

“Him during rookie minicamp, OTAs, and to now, he’s made a drastic jump.”

Rudolph, entering his fourth year with the team, had shared some first-team work with Trubisky during training camp but will now be relegated to third-team duties.

The Steelers signed Trubisky to a two-year, $14.2 million contract in free agency after the former No. 2 pick served as Josh Allen’s backup with the Bills last season.