Concussions threaten Kenny Pickett’s development as Steelers’ franchise QB

What a pounding Kenny Pickett took on Sunday. Forget that Pickett being swung violently to the Acrisure turf should have resulted in a roughing penalty on Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith had Pickett by the face mask on the play, to say nothing of whipping him down, resulting in the Steelers’ rookie landing in concussion protocol for the second time in eight weeks. Pickett sat on the turf after the hit. But he didn’t display any mobility problems as he exited the field following the Steelers’ first offensive drive. Perhaps that’s why the Steelers’ sideline cleared Pickett, who holds the keys to the franchise’s future as its No. 20 pick and heir-apparent to Ben Roethlisberger, to return for a sum total of three more meaningless plays. Only then did somebody have the sense to shut down Pickett for the remainder of the 16-14 loss to the rival Ravens.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices