It appears that Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will play on Sunday after leaving last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a concussion.
But is that too soon?
According to Dr. David Chao, there have been 39 concussion in the NFL this year.
Of all those injuries, Pickett is the first players to return in full to practice after only three days.
He adds only six players this season have returned a week after suffering a concussion.
Pickett has been practicing in full the past two days and barring a setback, will practice in full Friday.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted earlier in the week that Pickett’s “work won’t be limited in any way.”
“If he’s cleared to play, he’ll play,” said Tomlin “(Pickett) will play quarterback for us.”
Pickett went 11 for 18 against the Bucs with one touchdown. He had 67 yards before the concussion, with a quarterback rating of 87.0.
There has been an increased concern in concussions after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa seemingly suffered back-to-back concussions in two straight games.
Tagovailoa said earlier this week he doesn’t remember anything after suffering the second concussion.
He was cleared over the weekend and is set to make his first start since Week Four against the Steelers this Sunday night.
Dr. Chao said on, Sports Injury Central, said he would be surprised if it is Pickett that plays.
“It’s going to Mitch Trubisky back for the Steelers this week against the Dolphins,” said Dr. Chao. “Why? First of all most players are not clearing concussion protocol within one week now after the Tua incident but even if he does clear late-week are you really going to play he rookie with very little, if any practice all week long.”
It should be noted Dr. Chao made his comments on Tuesday, the same day as Tomlin’s comments on Pickett playing if he is able to.