PROBING QUESTIONS for Steelers-Lions.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY dress rehearsal. The Steelers play the Lions on Sunday in the preseason finale. Mitch Trubisky will start. What are we expecting? Mike Tomlin said Najee Harris and every healthy starter will play. The guys hate the idea of Harris getting carries and touches. Do we need to see any of the bigtime regulars like Harris, TJ Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick? 

Former Steeler Charlie Batch joined the show. Even while impressing, Charlie isn’t ready to make Kenny Pickett the starting quarterback because of his lack of work with the starting receivers/tight end. Charlie said outside of injury, the only thing that would get Kenny into QB1 for week one is if Mitch Trubisky absolutely bombs in the game on Sunday. Charlie talked about how this change of scenery for Trubisky is worth seeing to the end. Charlie referenced the time in 2010 when Ben Roethlisberger was out for the first 4 games and there was a QB room featuring Charlie, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon. The guys asked Charlie about the stars playing in the game on Sunday and how smart of a move it is. Charlie walked through the QB rotation for Sunday and said Mason Rudolph could see the entire second half to showcase his skills for a potential Steelers trade partner. 

Some fireworks from today’s Fan Morning Show. 

Former Steeler Charlie Batch joined the show. Even while impressing, Charlie isn’t ready to make Kenny Pickett the starting quarterback because of his lack of work with the starting receivers/tight end. Charlie said outside of injury, the only thing that would get Kenny into QB1 for week one is if Mitch Trubisky absolutely bombs in the game on Sunday. Charlie talked about how this change of scenery for Trubisky is worth seeing to the end. Charlie referenced the time in 2010 when Ben Roethlisberger was out for the first 4 games and there was a QB room featuring Charlie, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon. The guys asked Charlie about the stars playing in the game on Sunday and how smart of a move it is. Charlie walked through the QB rotation for Sunday and said Mason Rudolph could see the entire second half to showcase his skills for a potential Steelers trade partner. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly from The Athletic joined the show. Mark thinks Mitch Trubisky gets the start Sunday and likely parlays that into the season opener versus Cincy. Mark said he would like to see Kenny Pickett play in relief and play into the third quarter against the Lions. Mark expects the offense will be “awful” early in the year and worries that Trubisky hasn’t played enough. Mark addressed Mason Rudolph trade rumors and talked about keeping him on the roster and active early in the season. Mark isn’t ruling out Pickett being a Week 1 inactive and likes the option of taking it slow with the rookie QB. Mark thinks the offensive line could be improved via free agency once the final cuts are made. Mark said unless a high draft pick gets used on offensive line the Steelers will need to get lucky. 

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Jeff Hathhorn had a one-on-one interview with Matt Canada. The guys broke it all down.

Jeff Hathhorn had a one-on-one interview with Matt Canada. 

Poni suggested a rumor he heard that would help the Steelers offensive line in a big way. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is the player to provide an anchor up front. Poni said if the line can get to a mediocre level he would be happy with that. Chris thinks they can make the move happen with Houston and would be willing to do it for a first round pick. 

Steve Palazzolo from Pro Football Focus joined the show. Steve has been very impressed with everything he has seen from Kenny Pickett so far. Chris asked about any points where Kenny did show signs on struggle in his first two preseason games. Steve said there is some time to give Kenny to see if he is ready to roll as he referenced the great preseason performances of Daniel Jones and Zach Wilson. Steve gave his thoughts on Mitch Trubisky and how he has performed in the preseason. Steve thinks there are enough teams around the league that would take Mason Rudolph as a backup so he believes a trade could happen by the start of the regular season. He said probably a 6th or 7th round pick could fetch a trade for Rudolph. Surprisingly, Steve doesn’t think the Steelers offensive line is a lost cause. Steve said he wouldn’t trade a first for Laremy Tunsil even if it’s a big upgrade for the offensive line as it would help short-term, but the team would regret it long-term. Steve is still holding out hope for Devin Bush to have a comeback year. The guys asked Steve about the puzzling move to cut Genard Avery, leaving even less in the edge rusher depth cupboard. 

Steve Palazzolo from Pro Football Focus joined the show. Steve has been very impressed with everything he has seen from Kenny Pickett so far. Chris asked about any points where Kenny did show signs on struggle in his first two preseason games. Steve said there is some time to give Kenny to see if he is ready to roll as he referenced the great preseason performances of Daniel Jones and Zach Wilson. Steve gave his thoughts on Mitch Trubisky and how he has performed in the preseason. Steve thinks there are enough teams around the league that would take Mason Rudolph as a backup so he believes a trade could happen by the start of the regular season. He said probably a 6th or 7th round pick could fetch a trade for Rudolph. Surprisingly, Steve doesn’t think the Steelers offensive line is a lost cause. Steve said he wouldn’t trade a first for Laremy Tunsil even if it’s a big upgrade for the offensive line as it would help short-term, but the team would regret it long-term. Steve is still holding out hope for Devin Bush to have a comeback year. The guys asked Steve about the puzzling move to cut Genard Avery, leaving even less in the edge rusher depth cupboard. 

Jeff Hathhorn had a one-on-one interview with Teryl Austin. 

Another ESPN report that the pressure is on Mitch Trubisky. The message is basically “don’t screw up” in the game Sunday afternoon and he will be the team’s week one starter. The guys think it’s a nothing to lose attitude for Kenny Pickett, but there is still an outside shot at being named QB1. BREAKING NEWS on the Adam Crowley ball situation. He wants Poni suspended. 

Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Chris is very impressed by Kenny Pickett through camp, but thinks all three QBs have played well. He likes what he sees from Mason Rudolph, but knows the situation with the current third string QB on the roster. Chris said Pickett has made veteran-like decisions through the first two games and has answered the bell every time this preseason. Poni asked how the players might answer the QB question if Mike Tomlin brings it up, but thinks they would support a move to the rookie. Chris said Mitch Trubisky understands the situation and knows his days are numbered with a first round rookie QB on the roster. The guys asked Chris about the offensive line struggles in camp and if it will impact the progression of Pickett. Chris asked Chris about rookie Mark Robinson and if he can push Devin Bush, who is facing pressure in the last year of his rookie deal.