Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' third straight loss

The Steelers (7-7) increased their losing streak to three games with a 30-13 loss to the Colts (8-6) on Saturday. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 15 loss.

Change is coming

The Steelers' losing streak has certainly come at the worst time as their hopes of making the playoffs are looking less likely every week. It has left Pittsburgh with questions all over its roster and head coach Mike Tomlin said change is coming.

"Things won't continue the way they are. We're not going to keep doing the same things that we're doing and expect or hope for a different result," Tomlin told reporters. "Everything's on the table at this juncture. We can't play football like that next week."

What those changes will be are unknown, especially because the last time he said there would be change he only meant more padded practices. It seems Tomlin is recognizing the problems are much deeper, however, which should give fans more hope this time around.

Give Rudolph the reins

QB Mitchell Trubisky was paid to be a capable backup that could come in and win games when needed. But the Steelers are 0-5 in games Trubisky has played in this season. So, if QB Kenny Pickett, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is unable to go come Saturday, why not give QB Mason Rudolph a shot to start?

Tomlin was asked if he would still roll with Trubisky in that scenario and it feels he is open to considering a switch at quarterback.

"I don't have answers as I sit here right now," Tomlin said. "I know that we better do some things differently. We better approach some things differently. We're not going to roll that ball out there like that again."

Another concerning injury

The defense, which allowed a season-high 30 points, may be less equipped come Week 16 as well. All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick suffered a knee injury in the loss, putting his status in question moving forward.

"He has a knee injury and wasn't able to return. We'll get him evaluated as soon as we get back to town," Tomlin added. "I don't want to speculate at this juncture."

If the Steelers are without Fitzpatrick for any period of time, it will be a big blow to the defense, especially with the red-hot Bengals (8-6) coming to town next weekend. If Pittsburgh loses its fourth straight game, it may be time to consider shutting down some of its injured players and setting its sights on 2024.