Steelers QB Kenny Pickett suffered bone bruise in knee, could have short-term absence

The Steelers received positive news Monday regarding their signal-caller’s knee injury, all things considered.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a bone bruise during Sunday’s loss against the Texans, which could lead to a short-term absence, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported, but he has not been ruled out for Week 5. Pickett also has a muscle sprain, per Rapoport and Garafolo, but has a chance to play this week against the Ravens should Pittsburgh choose not to rest him ahead of its Week 6 bye.

Considering how the injury looked, with Pickett’s knee twisting awkwardly under Houston defensive end Jonathan Geenard during a fourth-down sack in the third quarter, the door remaining open for his return this weekend is a best-case scenario.

Pickett sustained the bone bruise with the Steelers trailing the Texans, 16-6, on a day where the offense found little success against an upstart Houston squad.

Mitchell Trubisky, who would likely get the call again if needed in Week 5, fared no better in relief. The Steelers gave up another 14 points in the fourth and lost, 30-6.

Offensive futility has been a theme for Pittsburgh through the first quarter of the season. The unit has scored one or fewer touchdowns in three of its four games.

Pickett playing hobbled could potentially slow momentum even further, such as the rival Bengals have seen with Joe Burrow and his calf, but it’s also important that the young QB continues to build chemistry and work through the offense’s growing pains.

Pickett has thrown for 803 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions with a 60.6 completion percentage thus far this season.

Time will tell if he adds to those numbers in the weekend ahead or waits to heal and do so after the team’s bye week.