Chantel Rodriguez, Staff Writer
cvr5570@psu.edu

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that Mitchell Trubisky would start as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1’s game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. After numerous off-season quarterback matches during training camp, Trubisky had become the favorite to win the starting spot over other teammates like Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph.

Trubisky was also selected as one of the Steelers’ five captains on Monday and won the QB position over 2022 first-round pick Pickett and longtime backup Rudolph.

Tomlin, naming Trubisky as the starting QB, said, “We’re really comfortable with what Mitch has shown us.” Meanwhile, with rookie Kenny Pickett, he explains, “I’m really pleased with his growth and development, but that’s why he’s placed as QB2.”

Tomlin continues, “He’s (Trubisky) a guy that came to us with franchise quarterback experience. He’s comfortable in those shoes. He’s been the focal point of a football team in the organization.”

Trubisky, a veteran signed to a two-year $14.2 million contract in free agency, was the most wanted in a three-person race. Trubisky had set the Bear’s rookie records for completions and yards at 2,193 in 2017. He was the former No. 2 overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016. Trubisky appeared in Pittsburgh after a year as Josh Allen’s backup with the Buffalo Bills.

Mike Tomlin expresses, “He took the Bears to the playoffs two years when we acquired him. He has a winning record as a starting quarterback, which is attractive. His athleticism and mobility were appealing to us. He took care of the football in-stadium.”

Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, was projected to start at least the regular season sitting behind one of the veterans.

The 24-year-old is the sixth quarterback Pittsburgh has chosen in the first round in franchise history, joining Ted Marchibroda (1953), Len Dawson (1957), Terry Bradshaw (1970), Mark Malone (1980), and Roethlisberger (2004). He’s also the third player the Steelers have brought in during the first round from the University of Pittsburgh.

“They’re making it difficult for us,” Tomlin told reporters during training camp.

“It’s tough to manage three capable guys, but they’re forcing us to do it because they’re making the necessary plays. The timing has been good, and the accuracy has been good,” Tomlin exclaims.

Ben Roethlisberger, who gave Pittsburgh two Super Bowl wins, leaves behind a legacy-worthy Hall of Fame career, with big shoes to fill for Trubisky. With Roethlisberger retired, he is enjoying the podcast life; the Steelers find themselves with a new man in charge for the first time in 18 years.

Trubisky has proven to have all the movement outside the pocket that Roethlisberger did not possess even in his prime, so he should be more efficient in expanding the field with his arm.