Steelers Open Door for Kenny Pickett Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not ruling out a return of Kenny Pickett.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are not ruling out Kenny Pickett being available in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the playoffs on the line, the team will leave the door open for their starting QB to return from an ankle injury this weekend. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin said the team is expecting Mason Rudolph to start against the Bengals but will monitor Pickett's progress throughout the week. Tomlin said the quarterback had a good day of rehab to start the week and will have an opportunity to practice. 

Rudolph is 5-4-1 as a starter for the Steelers. He will replace Mitch Trubisky, who started the last two days. 

Tomlin said the team will need to see his effectiveness in terms of "adlib" and being able to move and avoid danger on the field in order to be cleared for Week 16. However, he said "medical experts lead the charge" in making the final call. 

The Steelers will hold three practices and a walk-through before hosting the Bengals. They're currently 7-7 and sit as the 10th seed in the AFC, but are still alive in the playoff race. 

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