In a surprising turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing speculation about their future with quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett, who suffered an ankle injury in their recent game against the Cardinals, is officially listed as questionable for their upcoming match against the Seahawks.

However, it has been revealed that even if Pickett is cleared to play, the Steelers have decided to start Mason Rudolph instead. This decision has raised eyebrows and ignited conversations about whether Pickett has been subtly benched in favor of Rudolph.

Typically, when a starting quarterback is healthy enough to play, they take the field. So, Pickett's absence from the starting lineup sparks questions about his standing in the team. Is he no longer the starting quarterback?

The bigger question looming over the Steelers organization is whether they will admit that Pickett, their first-round pick in 2022, may not be the long-term solution. Rumors suggest that the team is considering exploring other options for the 2024 season. Notable veterans like Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, who may become available in free agency or trade, have been mentioned as potential replacements. The NFL draft is also a possibility.

The Steelers had hoped that Pickett would seamlessly take over from their long-time quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. However, the offense has been far from smooth under Pickett's leadership. This has led to speculation that a new offensive coordinator in 2024 could potentially bring about a change in the quarterback position as well.

While it would be uncharacteristic for the Steelers to give up on a first-round quarterback so quickly, it is reflective of the NFL's current landscape. Young quarterbacks are expected to perform well early on, with limited time to prove themselves. Unfortunately for Pickett, the Steelers' offense has faltered under his direction.

If head coach Mike Tomlin indeed returns next season, it is expected that the team will make a concerted effort to improve the offense. This process could involve securing a permanent coordinator and potentially searching for a new quarterback.

The future of Kenny Pickett with the Pittsburgh Steelers hangs in the balance as the team evaluates their options. Time will tell if Pickett can bounce back from his recent setback and reclaim his position as the franchise's long-term solution.