Mitchell Trubisky learned he was Steelers' starting QB last week

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin declared after the preseason that he'd announce his starting quarterback "at our leisure" but teased last Tuesday that he'd already picked the winner of the competition between free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky, rookie Kenny Pickett and career backup Mason Rudolph. 

"Who said it isn't settled?" Tomlin said about the situation at that time. Tomlin has since confirmed that Trubisky will get the nod for this coming Sunday's regular-season opener at the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but it appears the news wasn't a surprise to anybody in the Pittsburgh locker room. 

According to Teresa Varley of the Steelers' website, Trubisky learned last week ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend that he would serve as QB1 for at least the Week 1 matchup. 

"They let us know last week so we had a heads up," Trubisky explained. "I was kind of anticipating that and just excited for the opportunity. And now we prepare. Get ready to go."

Multiple insiders had named Trubisky the heavy favorite to win the gig throughout the summer even before he completed 24-of-34 pass attempts for 283 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions across his three preseason appearances. 

"I had a really good camp," he added about his offseason. "I came in here with a lot of experience, showed I could lead the team. Showed I've been playing really well, throwing the football really well. Now we go out there and execute on the field."

The Steelers drafted Pickett in the first round this past spring, and the 24-year-old connected on 29-of-36 passes for 261 yards with three touchdowns during the exhibition portion of the calendar. Pickett will be Pittsburgh's primary backup behind Trubisky.