In the third quarter of Sunday’s 20-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion and was promptly diagnosed as being out for the remainder of the game. After being struck by linebacker Devin White after a play-action throw midway through the third quarter, Pickett headed to the locker room for examination. Pickett was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky as Pittsburgh led 13–12.
After looking at Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion diagnosis on September 25 against the Bills, the NFL and NFLPA amended its concussion protocols, which led to the rookie’s head injury. After completing 11 of 18 passes for 67 yards and a six-yard touchdown throw to running back Najee Harris, Pickett left the game.
In Week 4, rookie Pickett replaced Trubisky, who had started the first three games as Pittsburgh’s starter. Trubisky then directed the Steelers on four second-half drives, including a 71-yard TD march to increase their advantage.
