Steelers QB Kenny Pickett: Mitchell Trubisky 'one of the best teammates I’ve been able to come across'

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin benched veteran quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in favor of rookie Kenny Pickett during what became a loss to the New York Jets. He has since confirmed that Pickett will be his new QB1 heading into this Sunday's game at the 3-1 Buffalo Bills. 

Tomlin insisted he wasn't placing all of the blame for the Steelers being 1-3 on Trubisky, and Pickett recently spoke highly about the 28-year-old who has served as his mentor since spring workouts. 

"Mitch is one of the best teammates I’ve been able to come across. I’m extremely grateful to have him in this room," Pickett explained during a press conference, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I supported him a ton when he was in there and he’s done the same for me. That’ll continue and we’re definitely great friends on the field and off the field. So, he’s definitely someone I’m going to lean on throughout this whole experience and he’s been nothing but great to me." 

Pickett added those within the Steelers don't view themselves as underdogs Sunday regardless of what others think. 

"We’re going to go in there with some confidence," the 24-year-old said about the Week 5 clash, according to PFT's Michael David Smith. "We know how great we can be when we’re detailed and we execute at a high level. That’s something we need to take care of during the week or we won’t have a shot. It’s the details, the little things, guys running at the right depth, I’ve got to be on time, give them a great ball and they’ll make the plays. The line has been doing a great job all year, so I have a ton of confidence in those guys. It’s everyone doing their 1/11th and we’ll be OK." 

Pickett completed 10-of-13 passes for 120 yards and three interceptions against the Jets but also contributed 15 yards and two scores on six carries. Tomlin and company hope Pickett's ability to use his legs to evade pass-rushers and gain yards will provide a much-needed spark for the Pittsburgh offense in what may already be a must-win game.