Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is not facing a long-term absence after injuring his left knee in Week 4, ESPN and NFL Network reported Monday.
Pickett suffered a bone bruise and a muscle strain, NFL Network reported, and he could potentially play next Sunday against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers also could hold him out and give him two weeks to recover, as their bye week falls in Week 6.
Pickett was injured on a third-quarter sack in Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans. With Pittsburgh attempting to convert a fourth-and-1 in Houston territory, Pickett was sacked by defensive end Jonathan Greenard, with some of Greenard’s body weight landing on Pickett’s left leg.
Pickett needed help to get off the field, unable to put weight on the left leg. He was evaluated in the medical tent before walking back to the locker room, no longer limping.
Mitch Trubisky finished the game at quarterback and would be Pittsburgh’s starter if Pickett is ruled out for any games.
Pickett, in his second NFL season, has thrown for 803 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions during the Steelers’ 2-2 start. He was drafted in the first round (No. 20 overall) out of Pitt in 2022 and took over from Trubisky as the Steelers’ starter after four games.
