Steelers reportedly expected to keep Matt Canada as OC in 2023
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are expected to keep Canada on staff as offensive coordinator for the 2023 season. Just a few months ago, things looked pretty bleak for Canada's future with the Steelers. They were 3-7 through Week 11, had scored at least 20 points only twice, and at least 30 just once. “I thought he got better just like our team got better,” Tomlin said via The Athletic. If the Steelers want Pickett to be their next franchise QB, best to keep him happy and not mess with his development, right?
wftv.comFantasy Football: Impressive rookies make their cases for 2023 drafts in Week 18
Every week of an NFL season is weird in its own way, and Sunday’s Week 18 had its share of quirkiness. All four of those rookies cracked the top 15 at the wideout position in Sunday’s early window. Nothing was expected when the Niners selected quarterback Purdy with the final pick of the 2022 Draft, but Mr. I realize you would probably like projected 2023 rankings for these ascending talents, and don't worry, they're coming soon. The NFL is in so many ways a young man's game, and we have a lot to look forward to.
wftv.comSteelers beat Browns 28-14 but miss out on playoffs
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Najee Harris ran for 84 yards and a touchdown and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 28-14 on Sunday but were eliminated from the playoffs when Miami edged the New York Jets. The Steelers (9-8) will have to settle for a 16th straight non-losing season under coach Mike Tomlin, fueled by a 7-2 finish. Pittsburgh's defense sacked Deshaun Watson seven times to assure the Steelers of finishing ahead of the Browns (7-10) in the standings for the 34th consecutive time. The Browns will miss out on the playoffs for a second straight year, although coach Kevin Stefanski’s job appears safe. ... C Mason Cole was evaluated for a left ankle injury in the third quarter but did not miss a series.
wftv.comPickett's patience, poise help fuel Steelers' late surge
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Technically, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett's middle name is Shane. It's one of the reasons Tomlin was one of Pickett's most ardent supporters during the pre-draft process. Pickett has just one interception over his past seven starts and is rarely putting the ball in harm's way. Sixteen years after arriving in Pittsburgh as a relative unknown, Tomlin now has a quarterback who followed a similarly low-key path to the Steelers. ... There’s just never been any doubt.”The Steelers need to beat Cleveland and get a fair amount of luck to sneak into the postseason.
wftv.comMike Tomlin's doing yet another admirable job with the Steelers, even on the brink of his first losing record
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t exactly captured the eye of the NFL-watching public this year, and for good reason. Outside of two blowout losses against the Bills and Eagles, the Steelers have been in every game they've played this year. There's been a lot of adversity for this particular Steelers team to fight through, but they always fight. Tomlin has been Pittsburgh's head coach since 2007 and still hasn’t reached 100 career losses, with a 160-93-2 career record. The Steelers have flown under the radar this season, but their head man has the franchise pointing in the right direction once again.
wftv.comSteelers' Mike Tomlin outlines how Kenny Pickett's concussion played out, says QB 'was cleared to continue'
Mike Tomlin says Pickett's availability for Sunday will depend on whether he is cleared to practice during the week. The rookie is in concussion protocol for the second time this year.
foxnews.comPickett's status uncertain after 2nd concussion in 8 weeks
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett's status for this week's visit to Carolina is uncertain after entering the concussion protocol for the second time in two months. Pickett was pulled from a 16-14 loss to Baltimore last Sunday in the first quarter after showing signs of a concussion. Pickett's head slammed into the Acrisure Stadium turf while getting sacked by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. He was evaluated for a concussion and cleared to return, playing one series before he was re-evaluated and removed from the game. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he had no issue with the circumstances surrounding Pickett's exit.
wftv.comSteelers' Pickett exits, returns, then placed in protocol
Pickett was shaken up after getting sacked by Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith at the end of Pittsburgh's first drive. “I don't know about the sequence or the details regarding the sequence,” Tomlin said after the game. Trubisky warmed up briefly while Pickett spent time in the blue medical tent and then checked on his teammate before Pickett went out for Pittsburgh's second drive. “He said he was feeling fine, and that was that.”This is the second time this season Pickett has been placed in the protocol. Baltimore quarterback Tyler Huntley, filling in for injured starter Lamar Jackson, also went into the concussion protocol in the second half and did not return.
wftv.comSteelers' Pickett exits, returns, then placed in protocol
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he didn’t know “the details regarding the sequence” that led to rookie quarterback Kenny Picket initially being cleared to play before being put into concussion protocol during a 16-14 loss to Baltimore.
Kenny Pickett continues to make strides, Steelers hang on to a late win over the Colts
Pickett had another solid game on Monday night in a win over the Indianapolis Colts. But the Steelers, who got to see Pickett play at the University of Pittsburgh, were excited to draft him. Pickett is still not to the point in which the Steelers can be certain he'll be their starter for the next decade. The Colts didn't get their first first down of the game until about midway through the second quarter. Colts, Steelers trade the leadIndianapolis got a spark after halftime with an 89-yard kickoff return from rookie Dallis Flowers.
wftv.comNFL sees higher grades for gender hiring in diversity study
The NFL posted significant gains in hiring women for coaching, team front-office and league-headquarters positions, according to an annual diversity report. That led to a slight gain in the overall score (83.2) despite a decline in the racial hiring score (85.0) due to updated census data. Those were higher than team-level categories such as executive leadership (C in racial, C-minus in gender), vice presidents (C in racial, D-plus in gender) and senior administration (C-plus racial, C gender). The NFL also posted racial hiring gains in the two most high-profile positions: head coach and general manager. The league also received an A-plus grade for initiatives to improve diversity hiring.
wftv.comSteelers optimistic star LB T.J. Watt will return vs. Saints
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers could get a much-needed jolt as they begin the second half of their season. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the team is optimistic that star outside linebacker T.J. Watt will be available for Sunday's visit from New Orleans. The Steelers have slumped without him and come off their bye week at 2-6, the team's worst record through eight games since 2013. The Steelers have had 10 players suit up at cornerback or safety, with middling results. It's one of the reasons they traded for cornerback Will Jackson last week, though Tomlin said Jackson is dealing with a back injury.
wftv.comSteelers QB Pickett to play if he clears concussion protocol
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will practice on Wednesday and will play next Sunday night against Miami if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol. “If Kenny Pickett is cleared to play, he’ll play,” Tomlin said. Pickett left in the third quarter against the Buccaneers after being legally knocked to the ground by Tampa Bay linebacker Devin White. Tomlin praised Trubisky for his contributions, but has no plans to go back to Trubisky if Pickett is good to go. Pickett is the fifth Steelers player to enter the concussion protocol this season.
wftv.comSteelers confirm T.J. Watt had knee surgery
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers' top pass-rushing threat T.J. Watt had arthroscopic knee surgery, which is expected to further delay his return while being sidelined by a pectoral injury, the team confirmed on Sunday. The team provided no further details except to confirm the report first published by ESPN on Saturday. Coach Mike Tomlin is expected to provide an update following the Steelers game at the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers entered the game at Buffalo 0-3 without Watt in the lineup this season and 0-7 overall. The Steelers have provided no timetable for Watt's return.
wftv.comKenny Pickett will be Steelers' starting QB vs. Bills
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — The Kenny Pickett Era is officially underway in Pittsburgh. The rookie quarterback will make his first career start Sunday when the Steelers visit Buffalo. Pickett, the 20th overall pick in the draft, made his regular season debut in the second half of a 24-20 loss to the New York Jets. Pickett replaces Mitch Trubisky, who was signed in the offseason but was benched at halftime against the Jets as coach Mike Tomlin looked for a spark. Pittsburgh is 1-3 heading into a stretch against teams with a combined 12-4 record, starting with a visit to 3-1 Bills.
wftv.comSteelers finally turned to Kenny Pickett, and if they're smart they'll keep doing so
Pittsburgh needed to see what it has in Pickett, and they probably confirmed one thing: He's better than Trubisky. Even with the turnovers, Pickett provided some life that Trubisky wasn't giving them. Ideally, Pickett is someone that can raise the floor of the Steelers offense. Pickett is supposed to be a safe quarterback prospect and the Steelers offense could definitely use a sturdy set of guard rails right now. It’s a Pickett party in Pittsburgh and now he has his chance to become the next long-term starting quarterback for the Steelers.
wftv.comSteelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett takes over for ineffective Mitchell Trubisky, throws interception on first drive
After a six-point first half produced four punts, a turnover and two field goals against the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers benched Mitchell Trubisky in favor of their rookie quarterback. Facing first-and-10 near midfield, Pickett looked deep downfield to Chase Claypool on a play-action pass. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Trubisky the team's starter after a preseason battle at quarterback, but Pittsburgh's offense was stagnant in a 1-2 start. The Steelers averaged 18 points in their first three games as Trubisky totaled two touchdowns and an interception while averaging 189.7 passing yards per game. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 84 yards with an interception on Sunday before Tomlin made the switch to Pickett.
wftv.comMitchell Trubisky tries to hold off rookie Kenny Pickett as Steelers face Browns on Amazon
Pickett is the new and exciting option, and the fact that he played at Pitt makes it even tougher for Steelers fans to wait. "It is what it is," Trubisky said about the Pickett chants, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Steelers travel to face the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night on Amazon Prime in a game between two teams that are challenged on offense. When will Kenny Pickett play? Last week the Steelers didn't move the ball much in a 17-14 loss to the New England Patriots, and frustration grew.
wftv.comSteelers place star LB T.J. Watt on injured reserve
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers placed star outside linebacker T.J. Watt on injured reserve Thursday, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games while recovering from a left pectoral injury. The Steelers already had ruled Watt out for Sunday's visit by New England. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that Watt's injury wasn't as bad as initially feared. Watt received multiple opinions during the week and does not need surgery, which opened the door for him to return at some point this season. The Steelers filled Watt's spot on the 53-man roster by signing David Anenih off Tennessee's practice squad.
wftv.comSteelers star TJ Watt out at least 1 game with pec injury
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt will miss Sunday's game against New England with a left pectoral injury. Watt sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of a 23-20 overtime victory over Cincinnati. Tomlin said the team is not in a rush to decide whether Watt should be placed on injured reserve and that Watt is getting second and third opinions on the injury. The Steelers claimed Jones — who played with them briefly in 2021 before being cut — off waivers on Sept. 1. ___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comSteelers' T.J. Watt leaves vs Bengals with pectoral injury
CINCINNATI — (AP) — The Steelers defense began the season Sunday looking like a vulturous force, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt was the chief disruptor. Watt suffered a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter of a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. “I'm not going to speculate what's going and how bad the injury is,” defensive tackle Cam Heyward said. He's a defensive player here. Losing Watt would be a huge blow to the Steelers, who will have to rely on their defense while trying to get their offense on track.
wftv.comDefending Super Bowl champion Rams open season as underdogs
Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams will raise their Super Bowl banner Thursday night before kicking off the NFL season at home where they became the second straight team to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy in their own stadium.
Trubisky starting QB, rookie Pickett the backup for Steelers
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph all impressed Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin during the preseason with their respective accuracy. If only the same could be said for whoever put together the team's initial depth chart for the 2022 season. Pickett did his best to apply pressure, playing well during the preseason on his way to supplanting Rudolph as the No. “I thought that he grew and grew at a really fast pace once we got in the stadiums,” Tomlin said. Tomlin made it a point to praise Rudolph's professionalism during the process and said the play of Rudolph, Pickett and Trubisky over the past six weeks helped a young offense get up to speed quickly.
wftv.comQB won: Steelers newcomer Mitch Trubisky is Week 1 starter
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Mike Tomlin deliberately — and quite effectively — declined to announce a starting quarterback for months, even as all signs pointed to Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky will be the starter on Sunday when Pittsburgh begins the post-Ben Roethlisberger era in Cincinnati. “I just think he's a guy who people rally around,” said defensive tackle Cam Heyward of Trubisky, who arrived in free agency in March. He’s locked in.”Trubisky found it telling that Harris flew to Pittsburgh on the day Trubisky officially signed. Harris gave Trubisky a rough sketch of the offense and the team's goals for 2022 and beyond.
wftv.comQB1 won? Steelers select newcomer Trubisky co-captain
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Mike Tomlin isn't quite ready to publicly anoint Mitch Trubisky as the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback. “I just think he's a guy who people rally around,” said defensive tackle Cam Heyward of Trubisky, who arrived in free agency in March. He’s locked in.”Trubisky found it telling that Harris flew to Pittsburgh on the day Trubisky officially signed. Harris gave Trubisky a rough sketch of the offense and the team's goals for 2022 and beyond. And that’s why he is who he is.”NOTES: The Steelers signed S Andrew Adams, CB Josh Jackson and LB Delontae Scott to the practice squad on Monday.
wftv.comTrubisky makes case for QB job as Steelers top Lions 19-9
PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Mitch Trubisky staked his claim to take over for the retired Ben Roethlisberger, throwing for 160 yards and a touchdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers eased past Detroit 19-9 in the NFL's preseason finale on Sunday afternoon. Trubisky, signed to a two-year contract in March, was at his best late in the first half. While coach Mike Tomlin may wait to announce who will ultimately get the nod in the three-man race — well, OK, two-man race — between Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett — Trubisky did little to lose the job during three exhibition appearances. Hockenson seemed to apologize to Watt immediately after the play, and Watt remained in the game briefly before being pulled. There could be one available in Pittsburgh, where Mason Rudolph appears very much to be the third-man in the three-way race with Trubisky and Pickett.
wftv.comNFL hopes to reduce head injuries with helmet experiment
They’re called Guardian Caps, and they’re now mandatory for all 32 NFL teams through the second preseason game — the time when the league says head injuries are most prevalent. Miller said mitigating those forces “will have a cumulative effect for the betterment of health and safety of the player.”Not everyone, however, is convinced Guardian Caps are the answer. “They say the Guardian Caps add 20 percent protection,” Kelce quipped. And Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich agrees, saying the recommendation of the Guardian Caps was an “easy move.”Defining the future of Guardian Caps is not so easy. Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera is already convinced; he believes Guardian Caps can be part of the norm in the NFL.
wftv.comAnd they're off! Steelers QB derby begins in earnest
It's why the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach is in no rush to announce a starting quarterback. Or spend the next six weeks giving daily updates on who might be in the lead to replace the retired Ben Roethlisberger. Tomlin knows the situation will not sort itself out on Twitter or the internet or sports talk radio or debate shows but the practice field.
news.yahoo.comSteelers finish on-the-fly offensive retool with draft picks
The on-the-fly retooling of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is nearly complete. Outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert ended his 20-plus-year tenure with the organization by investing heavily in offensive skill players in his final draft, with the hope that his still-unnamed successor is well-positioned for the future. Throw them into the mix with the top of the 2021 draft class that featured running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth and it's clear the Steelers have loaded up on young and relatively inexpensive talent (at least in the short-term).
news.yahoo.comSteelers ponder changing of the guard at QB with 20th pick
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has spent more than 20 years being as vague as possible before the NFL draft. There will likely be a handful of prospects available when Pittsburgh goes on the clock with the 20th overall pick in the first round. Just don't expect Colbert have commissioner Roger Goodell sprint to the podium with a selection.
news.yahoo.comSteelers QB Dwayne Haskins killed in auto accident
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed in an auto accident Saturday in Florida. Haskins' agent, Cedric Saunders, told ESPN about the quarterback's death, and the Steelers released a statement extending their condolences. “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. The Steelers gave Haskins a chance to resurrect his career in January 2021 when they signed him a month after being released by Washington. “We’re excited to see what Dwayne can provide, either from competition, or maybe he evolves as a starter,” Colbert said in January.
wftv.comSteelers QB Dwayne Haskins killed after hit by car in Florida, agent says
Dwayne Haskins dies: Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died after being hit by a car in South Florida on Saturday, his agent said. ( Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins has died after being hit by a car Saturday morning, his agent said. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2022“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. Dwayne Haskins, an Ohio State standout and NFL QB, died Saturday morning in a car accident in South Florida, agent Cedric Saunders told @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/9kWEcEDafQ — ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2022©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comSteelers CB Witherspoon cashes in on breakout season
Ahkello Witherspoon spent most of the first half of the 2021 NFL season standing on the sideline in sweatpants while the Pittsburgh Steelers went on without him. Witherspoon credits both for the two-year contract he signed earlier this month that will keep the veteran cornerback in Pittsburgh. “The most important opportunity is the next one,” Witherspoon said Monday.
news.yahoo.comNFL makes adjustments to Rooney Rule to aid minority hiring
Beginning this season, all 32 clubs must employ a female or a member of an ethnic or racial minority to serve as an offensive assistant coach. The person will receive a one-year contract and work closely with the head coach and offensive staff to gain experience. In recent years, head coaches have predominantly had offensive backgrounds. Overall, including women in all Rooney Rule requirements is designed to address under-representation of women in key football positions. There currently are five minority head coaches in the NFL.
wftv.comTomlin speaks out on minority hirings at NFL owners meeting
Tomlin, who like Flores is African American, did so because Flores is "a good coach." That Flores had sued the NFL and three teams — the Dolphins, Giants and Broncos — claiming racist hiring practices, did not dissuade the long-time Steelers coach in any way, Tomlin said Monday at the NFL owners meetings. A member of the league's powerful competition committee and one of the most influential coaches in the sport, Tomlin spoke strongly about the lack of minority head coaches in the NFL. He, Houston's Lovie Smith, Miami's Mike McDaniel, who is biracial, the Jets' Robert Saleh and the Commanders' Ron Rivera are the five minority head coaches among the 32 teams. There's a $1 million base salary in the first season in the event he's suspended by the NFL under the personal conduct policy.
wftv.comSteelers hire Brian Flores as senior defensive assistant
Steelers-Flores Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores smiles on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Nov. 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Flores will specialize in working with Pittsburgh's linebackers, a group that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. Houston subsequently hired Lovie Smith, who is Black, and Miami hired Mike McDaniel, who is biracial.
wftv.comNFL executives want, expect more Black coaches to be hired
“Any criticism we get for lack of representation at the GM and head coach positions, we deserve,” NFL senior VP and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane told the AP. The Fritz Pollard Alliance, which advocates for diverse hiring in the NFL, said in a statement Friday that firing of Flores and Culley is a "disappointment given efforts to increase the representation of Black coaches as head coaches in the NFL. The league had seven Black head coaches in 2017 but there’s been steady regression despite heightened awareness and the various enhancements. “When people are tuned into our game, the head coach, the quarterback and the referee have the cameras on them,” Vincent said. Black coordinators get fewer opportunities to prove they can be head coaches.
wftv.comChiefs take playoff experience into Sunday night vs Steelers
The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Tyreek Hill was a wide-eyed rookie wide receiver, Chris Jones was learning the ropes at defensive tackle and Travis Kelce was just becoming one of the NFL's best tight ends.