Steelers Wide Receivers Got Massive Advice From George Pickens On The Sideline In Week 14

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be doing almost everything right as they are 10-3 on the season and have won seven out of their last eight games. Russell Wilson is 6-1 as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback and has created a whole new identity for the offense this season. The defense under players like TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward have also allowed Pittsburgh's offense to stay in games and score. Special teams has also stepped up tremendously this season. Each aspect of the game is going favorably in the Steelers way and they've shown that the past few weeks. However, the Steelers could be without their top wide receiver down a brutal stretch of games to finish off the regular season.

George Pickens, who leads the team with 850 reception yards, was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury he suffered in practice. There was speculation on if Pickens was held out because of his antics during the previous weeks. However, it was revealed by Steelers insider Gerry Dulac that Pickens suffered a grade two hamstring injury in practice last Friday and that the expectation is he will be out in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's obviously a huge loss with Pickens being out, but during the Browns game in Week 14, Pickens was doing everything he could to help out his teammates on the sideline.

Although Pickens in 23-years-old and has been criticized by some fans for his actions, he showed true leadership on the sidelines when he couldn't be on the field. According to Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show, Pickens was teaching and coaching up the wide receivers on the sidelines during the Browns game. Scotty Miller, who suited up just before game time when Pickens was ruled out, seemed to really appreciate Pickens' advice. 

“He was trying to help us out and giving us the confidence,” Miller said. “We know that he believes in us. He was on the sidelines helping us run a slant against Denzel Ward because it is stuff that he has done before.”

Pickens was engaging with his teammates on the sideline and even ran up to Van Jefferson after he caught a touchdown. There didn't seem to be more to the story after Pickens' actions during the game, but the reality of his injury setting in is tough to accept. The Steelers have to face the Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs all in a span of 11 days. That doesn't give Pickens a normal timeline to get back to full health and during this final stretch, the Steelers will be trying to not only secure a playoff spot, but win the AFC North.

Even though having Pickens in is a huge part of this offense, the Steelers showed they can win without him, which is huge. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has done a fantastic job this season as he finally has one of his most complete teams to coach. Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith didn't change anything crazy about the game plan against the Browns once Pickens was ruled out. Instead, they put confidence into other receivers like Miller and Mike Williams. Williams showcased that he's another deep threat for Wilson as he finished with three catches for 36 yards including a beautiful one-handed catch along the sideline. Wilson still found nine different receivers to throw to, showcasing this team can get it done without Pickens.

Steelers Can Clinch The Playoffs In Week 15

The week has finally come where the Steelers can secure themselves a spot in the playoffs. With a 10-3 record, they currently sit third in the AFC playoff race and on top of the AFC North. Here are the playoff clinching scenarios for this week:

If the Steelers win or tie against the Eagles, they automatically clinch. Regardless of the result of the Steelers game, if the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts both lose their games, the Steelers clinch no matter what. The Dolphins play in the early slate of games while the Colts play at 4:25PM. Hopefully, the Steelers win to decide their own fate in clinching a playoff spot.

What do you think of Pickens' actions on the sidelines? How will the Steelers fare if he's out for multiple weeks? Let us know in the comments below!

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