Mike Tomlin: Kenny Pickett to get more 'varsity action' vs. Jaguars

For at least a couple of days, the depth chart of the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a different look as it pertains to the quarterback position. 

Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported Wednesday that there's no "quarterback controversy." Free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky is Pittsburgh's QB1 over both career backup Mason Rudolph and rookie Kenny Pickett. While Rudolph was the second-string option for last Saturday's 32-25 win over the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Thursday the order has been changed for this Saturday's matchup at the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Tomlin confirmed that Pickett will replace Trubisky at some point on Saturday. Rudolph will finish the contest under center.

"We just simply want to see Kenny in more varsity action," Tomlin explained about the decision. "We know more about Mason. 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 impressed against Seattle. He completed 13-of-15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score. As for Rudolph, he will take third-team reps, which represents a noticeable shift from as recently as Monday. 

"Obviously I would've liked to have had some more first-team reps," Rudolph admitted. "I think you guys have seen how our practices have gone. I've made the most of the reps I have gotten, I thought I've performed well this camp and want to continue to do so individually as well as collectively as an offense on Saturday."

Glazer remarked on Wednesday that the Steelers "do love Kenny Pickett" but added that "this will be Mitch Trubisky's team" and that those in the locker room "have so much confidence in" Trubisky.