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Why Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Was Able to Return to Game Despite Concussion

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett played one more series after sustaining a concussion.

Stephen Thompson

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PITTSBURGH -- Early in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 14 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Kenny Pickett took a rough hit from linebacker Roquan Smith. Not only was he hit hard, but his head whipped back and hit the ground. 

Pickett went to the medical tent and was evaluated for a concussion but was cleared and stayed in the game for one more drive. However, afterward, he went into the locker room and was ruled out for the concussion he was checked for.

After the game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett wasn't symptomatic immediately after the hit but did demonstrate concussion symptoms later, which is why he was able to stay in the game for that drive. Tomlin added he wasn't able to speak to what the process for that evaluation was like. 

"When he became symptomatic, he was pulled from the game and evaluated for a concussion," Tomlin said. "I don't know about the sequence or the details of the sequence."

This is Pickett's second concussion of the season. Tomlin is set to speak to the media on Tuesday and will likely provide further information.

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

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