Steelers' Kenny Pickett focused on getting better, not starting job

Just about every unbiased expert observing the situation has confidently declared that free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky will be the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers over rookie Kenny Pickett for at least the Week 1 game at the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 11. 

If there was any doubt about that roughly a week ago, Trubisky seemed to secure the gig when he took every snap with the starters in last Sunday's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions and completed 15-of-19 throws for 160 yards and a touchdown. Following that game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters he'd announce the identity of his QB1 "at our leisure," and Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports notes that Tomlin teased Tuesday he's already made the call behind closed doors. 

"Who said it isn't settled?" Tomlin remarked about the matter at that time. 

Per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Pickett explained during his latest public comments that he's doing all he can to concentrate only on the task at hand. 

"I am just focused on getting better," the 24-year-old said. "Still learning a lot of things, getting my first true game plan going into Cincinnati. So, a lot of things I am learning, taking it all in stride and enjoying it." 

Pickett hit on 29-of-36 passes for 261 yards with three touchdowns in his first NFL preseason but isn't necessarily guaranteed the QB2 role directly out of the gates. As things stand heading into Labor Day weekend, Mason Rudolph is also on the depth chart and may serve as Trubisky's primary backup in Cincinnati.

"Preseason games you are focused more on yourself than the opponent. Now we’re starting to get into Cincinnati and game planning and scheming, seeing what we want to do versus them, so it’s definitely an adjustment," Pickett added during his comments.