There are some times when you have rumors swirling and you just ignore it. Don’t give it any life or attention. However, there are rumors which absolutely need addressed, and the sooner the better. Monday, when rumors circulated around the internet of Kenny Pickett refusing to be the team’s back up quarterback in Seattle, this rumor would fall into the latter category.

Well, the Steelers Public Relations team felt the same way, and Kenny Pickett addressed the media, and the rumors, prior to the team’s first practice in preparation for the Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens game this Saturday in M&T Bank Stadium.

Here is what Pickett had to say, per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now:

#Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, speaking before practice today, refuted reports that he refused to be the No. 2 QB on Sunday.

He said that he will be the No. 2 this week. pic.twitter.com/k8kFEy5xvB

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) January 2, 2024

As it pertains to Pickett’s response, he essentially said the team had told him if he was healthy enough to play, he would play. However, the team doctors didn’t see him as fit enough to play, therefore he wasn’t able to dress. Heading into the regular season finale, Pickett is healthy enough to play, and will serve as the team’s primary back up quarterback behind Mason Rudolph.

When it comes to the initial rumors, when you listen to what Mike Tomlin said about Pickett being told he isn’t the starter is all you really need to know.

“Man, he is a competitor.” Tomlin said. “He wants the football, he wants to play but at the same time, he’s a team player. And so, you know, our agenda is winning football games right now. And so, I’d imagine that’s everyone’s mindset.”

Any competitor who desires to both play and succeed will not like being told they aren’t “the guy” any particular week when they’re healthy. However, it seems as if the rumors which caught the attention of not just local media, but national media, might have been unfounded when you get down to the genesis.

Then again, we likely will never know if anything genuinely happened prior to the Seattle Seahawks game. In the meantime, it looks like Pickett will be the No. 2 in Baltimore this Saturday with the Steelers’ playoff hopes still alive. Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Ravens.