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Brooke Pryor, ESPN Staff Writer
PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) is a game-time decision for Thursday night’s game against the Titans, while All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) has been ruled out, coach Mike Tomlin said Monday.
“I think the door is definitively ajar for Kenny,” Tomlin said. “Probably a game-time-type decision based on the information that I’m holding here today, with no structural damage and so forth to his ribs.
“And so, we see how we’ll go through the week, his ability to throw his level of comfort, his ability of effectiveness, et cetera, and let that be our guide in terms of determining his availability.”
Pickett sustained an injury to his ribs when he was hit by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis on a first-down throw 17 seconds before halftime Sunday, while Fitzpatrick, who leads the team with 54 tackles, injured his hamstring in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars.
If Pickett can’t go, backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky will start, Tomlin said.
Trubisky completed 15 of 27 attempts for 138 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the second half of Sunday’s 20-10 loss, while Pickett was 10 of 16 for 73 yards before his injury.
As is typical for the Steelers (4-3), they’ll have a “functional” practice Wednesday, and that will be key in determining Pickett’s availability, Tomlin said.
“He’ll have an opportunity to display readiness at that time,” Tomlin said.
This is the second time this season Pickett’s availability has been in question for an upcoming game. He also exited early against the Houston Texans with a knee injury in Week 4, but he was able to play against the Baltimore Ravens in the following game.
“I don’t think it impacts it much,” center Mason Cole said of the quarterback’s status and the game plan. “I think we have to go about our business, whether he’s playing or not. I think we’ve got trust in Mitch. We’ve seen him win games for us in similar situations, so we’ll game plan as normal. I hope to go out there Thursday and go win.”
On defense, with Fitzpatrick out, the Steelers will rely on a combination of Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew and Elijah Riley to absorb his absence. Cornerback Patrick Peterson, who has played some safety, could also help out.
“Obviously the loss of Minkah is a significant one,” Tomlin said. “It is a multiman job, not a one-man job. Thankfully we have some veterans back there, guys like Killebrew and Kazee and Keanu Neal who are veteran NFL players and that lessens the impact, hopefully. But obviously, it’s not a one-man job when you’re talking about replacing Minkah, whether you’re talking about his playmaking ability or his hub of communication ability.”
And, with Tuesday’s trade deadline approaching, Tomlin didn’t dismiss the idea of the Steelers making a deal. A year ago, the Steelers flipped wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick.
“We’re always open for business,” Tomlin said.
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