Kenny Pickett out, Steelers stick with Mitchell Trubisky

Kenny Pickett remains in recovery mode following ankle surgery last week, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers to stick with Mitchell Trubisky to start Saturday at Indianapolis.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it would be "reasonable" for Trubisky to show improvement this week after posting 190 passing yards and two total touchdowns in Pittsburgh's loss last Thursday to the New England Patriots.

With consecutive losses to two-win teams at home -- the Arizona Cardinals and Patriots -- Pittsburgh currently resides in the No. 6 spot in the AFC playoff picture, one ahead of the Colts. Indianapolis has an identical 7-6 record entering Saturday's game. The Colts are second in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) and in front of the Houston Texans (7-6).

Tomlin said Mason Rudolph would get "an opportunity to get some work" this week. He said "in helmet prep" has been limited for Rudolph and he doesn't believe there is a competition between Rudolph and Trubisky for the Week 15 game.

Pickett underwent ankle surgery aiming to expedite his recovery from a high ankle sprain and could be back on the field prior to the Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6).

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati trail the Cleveland Browns (8-5) and Baltimore Ravens (10-3) in the AFC North.