The Pittsburgh Steelers turned their offense over to rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett two weeks, and he was making his first career start at home on Sunday.
It did not last long.
Midway through the third quarter Pickett was on the receiving end of a big hit from Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White that knocked him out of the game. Pickett appeared to hit his head when he fell to the ground. He was able to walk off and go to the blue injury tent, but was quickly taken to the locker room.
He was replaced by veteran Mitch Trubisky.
Making the entire sequence worse, Pickett was injured on a big play that was negated by a holding penalty on offensive lineman Kevin Dotson. The player Dotson held still managed to get through and hit Pickett.
Pickett started the day 11-for-18 for 67 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown pass to Najee Harris on the Steelers' first drive is the first touchdown pass of his career.
The Steelers offense quickly reverted back to the sluggish play it exhibited over the first five games of the season.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!