Steelers Travel to Miami to Face Dolphins

The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) hit the road to take on the Miami Dolphins (3-3) in a Sunday Night Football matchup. 

The Dolphins are looking to bounce back after three straight losses. The team started 3-0, but the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played a major role in the recent Miami losing streak. Last week, the Dolphins fell to the Minnesota Vikings 24-16. 

The Steelers are coming off a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-18 on Sunday. The Dolphins haven’t beaten the Steelers since 2016 when they won 30-15 in Miami. 

Concussion concerns

Both Miami and Pittsburgh quarterbacks are set to return to the field this week after suffering injuries on the field. Tagovailoa cleared concussion protocol last week after suffering his injury in week four against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he was cleared to play against the Vikings, Tagovailoa was kept out for precautionary reasons and he didn’t play in their week six matchup against the Vikings.

Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett left the game last week after suffering a concussion. He cleared concussion protocol Thursday and is on track to play Sunday night. 

#Steelers QB Kenny Pickett has cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday. So have TE Pat Freiermuth and CB Levi Wallace.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2022

Through three games, Tagovailoa has recorded 1,035 passing yards with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions.  Receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill have been the Tagovailoa’s favorite targets, so far. Hill has 701 receiving yards on the year and Waddle has 533.   

On the defensive side, the Miami defense has struggled in recent weeks. The team has given up 21+ points in four of their six games, this year.

Pickett’s Spotlight

Even though Pickett exited the game early on Sunday, he is still expected to start under center Sunday Night.

Diontae Johnson confirms that Kenny Pickett took the starting QB reps today. He expects Pickett to start Sunday vs Miami. #Steelers @937theFan

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) October 19, 2022

The rookie has struggled with interceptions this season, but he’s completed 55 of 83 passes for 514 yards. He’s thrown one touchdown and has four interceptions. Additionally, Pickett has found some success on the ground. He’s rushed for two touchdowns with 41 rushing yards. 

Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.