QB Kenny Pickett on role with Steelers: 'I just love playing'

Just about every report on the subject heavily suggests that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has little chance, if any, to unseat former Chicago Bears starter and Buffalo Bills backup Mitchell Trubisky atop the depth chart by the end of August preseason games. 

Pickett served as Pittsburgh's third-string signal-caller from organized team activities through mandatory minicamp, and multiple insiders have since publicly noted that the only way the 24-year-old will be the club's QB1 for Week 1 is if Trubisky either goes down to an injury or looks completely lost in exhibition contests AND the team trades current No. 2 option Mason Rudolph. 

However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may have offered a glimmer of hope to Pickett supporters when he remarked during a recent appearance on "The Pivot Podcast" that he is "excited about being uncomfortable" regarding the sport's most important position, which some assume mean Tomlin is open to hosting a legitimate competition when training camp sessions start next month. 

Either way, Pickett explained during the latest edition of the "Perfect Thursday" podcast that he's focusing on what he can control as he works to improve and, ideally, impress Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff. 

"I just love playing, so it's just, you're playing football," Pickett said, per Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "And I have great guys on our roster. Our team is pretty tight already. It's been a lot of fun. I know camp in Latrobe and being back in dorms will definitely be an experience. I just hope there's some AC in there and we'll be good to go." 

It's the only reasonable mindset Pickett can have in the early days of summer. The first-year pro likely realizes he's Pittsburgh's future but also knows that future may not arrive until some point in 2023.