Report: Matt Canada to move from booth to sideline for Steelers game vs. Titans
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a change to the way the offense is run on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans – but not the change some fans were hoping for. According to NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada will call the Pittsburgh offense from the sideline, instead of from the coaches’ booth.
“A tweak in the play-calling process for the #Steelers tonight: Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will be on the sideline, sources say,” Garafolo shared. “He usually calls games from upstairs. Will now be in close proximity to Mike Tomlin and the players as he calls plays vs. the #Titans.”
Following two underwhelming offensive campaigns under Canada, the Steelers made the decision to run it back with the 51-year-old at the helm in 2023. This season, the offense hasn’t looked much more explosive. In three of seven games this year, the Steelers have scored 10 points or fewer. The most points scored in a game so far this season was 26 against the Browns in Week 2.
Steelers to start Kenny Pickett after rib injury
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett injured his ribs in the first half of the loss to the Jaguars. However, by Tuesday, Pickett told reporters he would play.
“It’s frustrating, it’s part of the game, though,” Pickett told reporters of his injuries. “I’ve been doing it for a little bit. It is what it is. You’ve just got to be available, and get ready to go on Thursday night. … “I’m playing, for sure.”
The young quarterback needed to have a clean few days with no setbacks, and according to head coach Mike Tomlin, he was able to do just that.
“Obviously he got clearance from the medical experts rather quickly in terms of him potentially being available,” Tomlin said, via Steelers.com. “And so it was about whether he could do the things they said he needed to do, first to protect himself and play, and then be effective enough in doing so.
“We felt comfortable with what we saw Wednesday at practice,” Tomlin said. “We had a Friday-like practice on Wednesday where we hit all of our situational football – third down, red zone, things of that nature, weighty down moments. He had a really good day, and so we feel comfortable with his availability and his ability to do his thing.”