Kenny Pickett Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Should Steelers shut down rookie QB Kenny Pickett following second concussion?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/15/22

The Steelers' 2022 season is slipping away. Would it be smart to start preparing for the future and shut down rookie QB Kenny Pickett?

Pickett suffered his second concussion of the year in Week 14, and some are raising the question. Game reps are important for rookie development, but is it worth the risk?

If you’re the #Steelers brass, do you consider shutting down Kenny Pickett for the season?

Does the risk of a third concussion outweigh the reps of possibly three meaningless games?

Is there an argument to be made?
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) December 14, 2022

Pickett may not even be able to play Sunday as he is still limited in practice. If he can't go, Pittsburgh may be playing meaningless games when he returns anyway. It's a difficult decision, and a spot the Steelers haven't been in since 2003.

Steelers can be officially eliminated this weekend with a loss to the Panthers and a couple other things that very well could happen.

If so, next week against the Raiders would be the second 'meaningless' regular season game (eliminated) for the Steelers since Dec. 21, 2003.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 15, 2022

As long as Pittsburgh has a chance at the playoffs, it's hard to believe head coach Mike Tomlin would throw in the towel, especially on the brink of his first losing season.

However, with a loss in Week 15, Tomlin would secure his first season below .500 and the Steelers would likely be eliminated from playoff contention.

With all of that said, football is a violent game and injuries happen. If Pickett is their quarterback of the future, every snap he can get now will benefit him going into his second year.

There is an argument to be made, but Tomlin and his Steelers have never played scared before.

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