George Pickens has missed the Steelers’ past three games, but he might be back in time for the team’s upcoming Christmas Day contest. Head coach Mike Tomlin noted the third-year receiver has a “real chance” to suit up for Pittsburgh’s game against Kansas City.
A Grade 2 hamstring strain has led to Pickens being sidelined for the first time in his NFL career, and his absence has been apparent on offense.
The Steelers have averaged 248 yards per game without Pickens available, a sharp decline from their season average of 325. With the threat of explosive passing plays diminished, Pittsburgh’s rushing attack has understandably suffered as well.
Tomlin named Pickens, along with backup quarterback Justin Fields, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Donte Jackson as players who missed Saturday’s loss to the Ravens but could return on Wednesday (h/t ESPN’s Brooke Pryor).
Getting healthier on defense would certainly be a welcomed development as the Steelers prepare to face the Chiefs and Bengals to close out the regular season. Seeing Pickens return would help provide the opportunity for a turnaround in the passing game, though.
The 23-year-old established himself as a key figure on offense during his rookie season, and his production took a step forward last year. Pickens’ 63-1,140-5 stat line demonstrated his impact in the passing game, and his 18.1 yards per reception average led the league.
Entering the 2024 season as not just a premier deep target but the undisputed No. 1 receiver for Pittsburgh, the Georgia product has delivered when healthy with a career-high 70.8 yards per game. The Steelers were linked to several notable WR pursuits before and during the campaign, but the team’s only move on that front was the rental addition of Mike Williams at the trade deadline.
By losing Saturday, the Steelers failed to clinch the top spot in the AFC North. They still control their destiny in that regard, however, and winning their final two games would guarantee at least one home playoff contest. Getting Pickens back in the lineup in time for a matchup with the 14-1 Chiefs would boost Pittsburgh’s chances of reaching that goal.
