The Steelers have an opportunity to claim another AFC North Division title on Sunday in Philadelphia, but they’ll likely have to do it without top wide receiver George Pickens.
LISTEN: Reaction to Tomlin Newser and Pickens Injury
Speaking during his weekly news conference, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin explained that Pickens was dealing with some hamstring discomfort after practice on Thursday but by Sunday, that the injury was a little more serious than they thought.
“We’re just in the mindset of getting him healthy as quickly as we possibly can,” said Tomlin. “There’s a potential for this week, but there’s an outside chance, if you press me, I’d probably say he’s out or would be characterized as doubtful as we sit here.”
Pickens showed up with a hamstring injury on Friday’s practice report and was ruled out shortly before kickoff on Sunday against the Browns.
That came as a surprise since Tomlin told CBS that Pickens would play.
For what it's worth, The Post-Gazette's Brian Batko tells Joe Starkey that Justin Fields missed the Giants game with a hamstring injury, the same one Pickens is rumored to have, and he returned after the bye week.
Pickens stats this season:
He hasn’t previously had an injury listed all season. His value:
· 8th in the NFL in receiving yards
· 3rd in plays of 20-plus yards
· Top 20 in the league in targets
· 4th best receiver in the AFC according to Pro Football Focus ahead of Ja’Marr Chase
With Pickens out, the Steelers will need to look toward Mike Williams and the other receivers.