The Steelers were at home in Week 14 for their second game of the season against the Browns. Pittsburgh won 24-17 and improved to 10-3. They are 7-1 in their last 8 games. In Week 14 against Cleveland, the Steelers were without WR George Pickens.
He was ruled out with a hamstring injury, which limited Russell Wilson’s explosiveness as a passer. On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Pickens’ hamstring is worse than it looks. Coach Mike Tomlin said Pickens could theoretically play but was “doubtful” he would be able to play against the Eagles in Week 15. Pittsburgh is thinking about the bigger picture and wants to protect Pickens for the postseason.
George Pickens will likely be out for Week 15 for the Steelers.
#Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that George Pickens (hamstring) could theoretically play this week, but he is questionable. The hamstring was a little worse than it looked.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2024
With a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Georgia native George Pickens. During his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens appeared in all 17 games. The 23-year-old will not achieve that feat in 2024 after missing Week 14. It’s possible that Pickens will miss two consecutive games for the first time in his professional career. Through 12 games in 2024, Pickens has 55 catches for 850 yards and three touchdowns.
For the first six games of the season, Justin Fields was Pittsburgh’s QB. Pickens averaged (60.2) receiving yards per game with Fields as the starter. He had zero touchdowns. In six games with Russell Wilson, Pickens is averaging (81.2) receiving yards per game and has three touchdowns. The young WR shined with Wilson under center. Pickens is a big play receiver and Wilson likes to throw the deep ball. It’s a match made in heaven. However, Pickens missed Week 14 and is likely to miss Week 15 as well. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury and the team can’t risk losing him long-term. If he needs to sit out another week, Pittsburgh will make sure he does so. The Steelers hit the road to face the Eagles this weekend.
