Former Pitt QB Expecting Quick Return to Steelers

Former Pitt Panthers star Kenny Pickett could be back from injury sooner than expected.

PITTSBURGH -- When he first suffered an ankle injury that would require surgery, former Pitt Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett was expected to have to sit out four weeks while he recovered. 

But the former Pitt star could be back even sooner for the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, who said they will "leave the light on" for their starting quarterback. 

“He’ll be working in a limited capacity," Tomlin said. "We’ll see where his availability leads us.”

Pickett suffered an ankle injury during a Week 13 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, a loss that kickstarted a three-game losing streak that has sunk the Steelers out of playoff positioning in the crowded AFC. 

The Steelers' playoff odds are slim but they are still breathing with three weeks left in the regular season. They host Cincinnati this weekend before wrapping up the year with road trips to Seattle and Baltimore. They'll need wins in each of those games to even have a prayer of sneaking into the field, and will need help from elsewhere around the AFC as well. 

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