Update: Steelers' George Pickens Now Has New Potential Timeline For Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star wide receiver George Pickens for a second straight week due to a grade two hamstring injury. This weekend, the team will be traveling across the state of Pennsylvania to visit Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles for what could be a potential Super Bowl matchup. Pickens popped up on the injury report just days before the team's second matchup with the Cleveland Browns last week, and hasn't been able to practice since. 

Over the last four weeks, the Steelers have had their hands full with AFC North opponents, including the disgusting loss to Jameis Winston and the Browns in a snowstorm. Many Pittsburgh and Cleveland insiders speculated if Pickens' injury was as serious as it is or if the team chose to sit him for disciplinary reasons. However, after the Steelers' home victory over Cleveland, Mike Tomlin gave a transparent explanation on Pickens' situation, and made it clear that his top play-maker is indeed dealing with a serious hamstring injury. 

Some Steelers insiders believe Pickens could be sidelined past the Philadelphia matchup, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler claims the team is hopeful that he can make a return next week for the Baltimore Ravens, a game in which Pittsburgh would clinch the division title with a victory. 

"George Pickens, he is out for the second straight week," Fowler detailed. "Grade two hamstring, I'm told. So, likely at least a couple of weeks. They're hopeful, though, for next week." 

Tomlin and the rest of Pittsburgh's staff are deciding to play it safe and not let a "small problem become a big problem" for Pickens. In a late-season NFC matchup, the only thing the Steelers are fighting for currently is where they stand within the top three seeds in the AFC. Pittsburgh is still in contention for the number one seed and first-round bye with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, but more than anything, securing the division over the Ravens is what matters most. 

Pittsburgh's visit to Baltimore in Week 16 is going to be the Steelers' biggest game of the season, and the team is going to need its stud wide receiver healthy and available if it wants to clinch the AFC North title. The Steelers are at a huge advantage over the Ravens with already having a win over them under their belt.  

The most important thing is getting Pickens back to full health. In the Steelers' first and only game without their star wide receiver so far, the offenses production took a steep drop. In last week's win over Cleveland, the offense only totaled 267 yards, its lowest since the home loss to the Dallas Cowboys with Justin Fields under center. Pittsburgh's offense doesn't have a consistent deep threat without Pickens, but Tomlin will have to coach his way through it in the meantime. 

Steelers' George Pickens' Injury Big Reason Why Team Needed To Address Wide Receiver In 2024 Offseason

The 2024 offseason was one most of the fan base will never forget, thanks to the constant stress surrounding a wide receiver issue. As the team dealt Diontae Johnson for Donte Jackson, Pickens wasn't left with much help behind him other than Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson. Rookie wideout Roman Wilson has been sidelined with injuries all season long, so Pittsburgh made a trade for Mike Williams. Despite all of the depth on the roster in this particular group, the team still doesn't have a clear-cut number two behind Pickens. With Pickens now sidelined, the Steelers are facing their worst fear for 2024.

The Steelers are lucky that Pickens was able to stay healthy for the majority of the season up to this point. Had he suffered a serious injury earlier in the season, the team may not have the lead in the AFC North. 

What do you think? Will Pickens be back in action next week against the Ravens? Which wide receiver will step up for the team in the midst of his absence? Let us know in the comments below. 

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