Steelers Rumors: Ravens CB makes fun of Kenny Pickett's hands
*eyeroll* Insults are getting so unoriginal nowadays.
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey decided today was a good day to choose violence and went after Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
On a recent episode of Humphrey's podcast, the veteran corner played a game in which he tried to name every NFL quarterback just by looking at a picture. When Pickett popped up, Humphrey easily recognized his AFC North rival and had to add in a jab -- or two.
Humphrey said of Pickett, "Two hands, two hands, Kenny Pickett. Tiny hands."
The Steelers quarterback has been made fun of for wearing gloves on both hands (he claims it's more comfortable) and for his small hand size. At the 2022 combine, Pickett's right hand measured 8.5 inches, the smallest of any current quarterback in the league.
Humphrey chose to pluck the low-hanging fruit in his mocking criticism of Pickett, perhaps still stung by last season's loss to the Steelers.
In Pickett's one full game against the Ravens in 2022, the then-rookie went 15-of-27 for 168 yards and helped score the game-winning touchdown in an OT comeback victory in Baltimore, 16-13.
Heading into Year 2, Pickett is primed for a more productive season and can use Humphrey's comments as extra bulletin board material for their upcoming divisional matchups.
Steelers Rumors: Tight end Zach Gentry joins AFC North rival's practice squad
On Tuesday, ex-Steelers tight end Zach Gentry signed with the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad, according to NFL's Tom Pelissero.
Gentry, a former fifth-round pick by the Steelers, was waived on roster cut deadline day. The Steelers chose to keep three other tight ends on the 53-man roster instead: starter Pat Freiermuth, high-rising rookie Darnell Washington, and versatile fullback Connor Heyward.
Some thought Pittsburgh would reclaim Gentry on the practice squad, yet the team decided to go with Rodney Williams instead, a formerly undrafted free agent who spent his rookie season on the Steelers' practice squad last year.
In 2022, Gentry played in all 17 games and recorded 19 catches for 132 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per catch.
He'll look to break into the active roster in Cincy, though the Bengals already have a set-in-stone tight end room with Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Mitchell Wilcox.
Should any of those players suffer an injury this season, Gentry's number could be called, even to play against his former team. Gentry is considered a stronger blocker than a pass-catcher but could use his larger frame to make an impact in short-yardage situations.
Steelers Rumors: Bring it on, Bosa! Mike Tomlin ready to face 49ers star
Amid ongoing uncertainty about 49ers star Nick Bosa's Week 1 status, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters he's planning for the worst.
Per Tomlin, the Steelers are going to prepare like Bosa's going to play in Week 1, citing Pittsburgh's history with T.J. Watt as one of the major factors in his decision.
Back in September of 2021, the Steelers signed Watt to a five-year contract making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at the time. Like Bosa, Watt was on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract and had been a "hold in" at camp, which means he reported to camp but didn't actually practice.
After his extension, Watt was a full participant in practice and played in that year's season opener against the Bills.
The not-so-small difference between Watt's and Bosa's situations is that Watt got his bag just before the start of Week 1. There's no telling if the 49ers will reach a contractual agreement with Bosa by Sunday when they face the Steelers in the 2023 season opener.
Either way, Mike Tomlin is prepared to face the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Week 1. Bring on Bosa.
