Steelers' Kenny Pickett says he self-reported concussion symptoms

Kenny felt good at the beginning. After taking a big hit from Smith and hitting his head on the turf, the quarterback left the game and was evaluated for a concussion.

He was able to return to the game on the next drive. Changes in his vision setting were noticed over the course of the three play series. When he came off the field, he self- reported his symptoms.

I thought I was good to go. They started coming into play more after I ran back out there. Things are moving quickly. I had to leave when symptoms came up.

Is that correct? I came off the field and didn't feel well so I went in.

Though he felt better by the end of the week, he decided to wait until after the Carolina game to return to action.

I listened to what the doctors had to say. The right decision was not made last week. I could have tried to push it. I think it's a good idea to sit out one week and be fully recovered this week.

He will start against the Las Vegas Raiders after being cleared from concussion protocol. After the concussion, he switched to a different helmet on the advice of the team's medical staff.

He wears a helmet with a special design and padding on the back to protect his head in the event of another violent hit.

One mask he tried obstructing his vision and the other left too much space, so he added a visor to his facemask.

The face mask gap is too wide. I don't know who designed it, but it's too wide where a fist can hit it. I don't want to get punched in the face on Saturday so I decided to wear a visor.

When he escaped a sack and tried to extend the play before Smith brought him down, he had a concussion that lingered longer than his first.

Matt Canada acknowledged that the play might have been different if it had been done differently, but he said the concussions won't affect the way he plays with his runs or how he takes them.

He said it came with the position. It will happen when you play football. I was fortunate early in my career and in college to not have many concussions, but I have had two in the last two years. It's true. It is a sport.