NFL rumors: Due to an ankle ailment, the Steelers are preparing for Kenny Pickett’s 4-week absence.

After a successful operation on Monday, the 25-year-old is officially out of the lineup for Thursday Night Football’s Week 14 matchup against the New England Patriots. The four weeks of absence might actually occur, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

According to Fowler’s report on Wednesday, quarterback Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh may have to miss four weeks of work due to an injury to his right ankle.

People I’ve spoken to are, at the very least, preparing for that possibility.

Mitch Trubisky will start at quarterback against the Patriots because Pickett is expected to be sidelined until the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. After throwing for 117 yards and a score on 17 attempts on Sunday, Trubisky will start in place of the New England defense, which gave up no touchdowns to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13.

Fowler went on, “so Mitch Trubisky could have a four-game run to make something happen.” If the four-week projection comes to pass, Pickett will return for the season’s last game against Baltimore on January 7. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers fare in the end given their difficult offensive journey this season.

Coach Mike Tomlin’s culture typically prevails in situations like this, but the Steelers will be tested.

Steelers battling for a playoff berth

Following their loss on Sunday, the Steelers are now 7-5 and share second place in the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns. They will play the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Ravens to finish the regular season as they continue to fight for a postseason berth.