Confidence in Mitch: The Steelers can be with out quarterback Kenny Pickett on Thursday night time in opposition to the New England Patriots after he has been dominated out with a excessive ankle sprain that required surgical procedure on Monday, however they will not be with out confidence in who can be beginning in his spot.
Mitch Trubisky will begin in Pickett’s absence, and tight finish Pat Freiermuth is not involved concerning the change.
“It will be the identical offense,” mentioned Freiermuth. “Mitch takes reps in apply. We now have full confidence in Mitch to execute the sport plan and we’re full steam forward.
“Mitch is an efficient chief in sport. He brings everybody collectively. He actually communicates on what he needs the receivers to do and stuff. He is an efficient chief.
“We now have full confidence in all of our quarterbacks to execute the offense and get us some wins.”
Trubisky, who signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in the course of the 2022 offseason, was the workforce’s starter originally of final season earlier than Pickett took over the job.
Freiermuth mentioned the offense feels good with Trubisky on the helm.
“He has all the time been assured in his means,” mentioned Freiermuth. “We’re anticipating him to return in and lead us and execute what we’re asking him to for the offense to execute.”
Freiermuth mentioned he had the prospect to speak with Pickett, and is aware of the younger quarterback will work his tail off to get again on the sphere.
“He’s clearly pissed off with the damage,” mentioned Freiermuth. “We’re anticipating him to rehab onerous and are available again each time he’s out there.”
He is not the one one feeling pissed off. Freiermuth echoes the sentiment in relation to getting the ball in the long run zone, one thing the Steelers have struggled doing on offense and one thing the Patriots have restricted their opponents on the final three video games specifically.
“It’s totally irritating,” mentioned Freiermuth. “It is Week 14. We now have to determine it out. There isn’t a different possibility. We attempt to do all the things we will, it is nearly placing the ball in the long run zone.
“Preserve exhibiting as much as work and attempt to discover little issues that can permit us to get in the long run zone.”
