The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation is stirring up some controversy, at least according to Pittsburgh media figure Mark Madden.

Madden, in an afternoon post on X, claimed he had been informed that Kenny Pickett categorically refused to serve as the backup to Mason Rudolph in the Steelers’ Week 17 game against the Seattle Seahawks. This refusal seemingly explains why Pickett was inactive, leaving Mitch Trubisky as Rudolph’s backup in the Steelers’ victory over Seattle.

Adding to the drama, Madden asserted that Steelers writers are privy to Pickett’s refusal but are choosing not to report on it. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic echoed a similar sentiment during an appearance on The Fan Morning Show today, expressing significant skepticism about the decision being solely Mike Tomlin’s call.

“I’m very, very highly skeptical that it was 100 percent Mike Tomlin’s decision that Kenny Pickett did not dress yesterday,” said Kaboly.

Kaboly highlighted that if he were absolutely certain Pickett declined the backup role, that information would already be on The Athletic website. He pointed out the delicate balance between what one knows and what can be put into writing.

“There are some things you know and some things you can write, and there are some things you know you can’t write,” he said.

Just got told that Pickett 100 percent refused to be the backup. That the Steelers writers know that but won't write it.

— Mark Madden (@MarkMaddenX) January 1, 2024

If Madden’s claim holds water, Pickett may need to reassess his stance. He hasn’t earned the privilege of such an entitled position, especially given Rudolph’s commendable performance, arguably the best of his career.