The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently preparing for one of their biggest games of the year as they will be taking on the Baltimore Ravens for the second time during the 2024 season. The Steelers were able to win the first matchup between the two teams, but this contest in Week 16 has higher stakes. If the Steelers can find a way to escape Baltimore with a victory, they will be AFC North champions for the first time since the 2020 season. It will be difficult for the Steelers to win the division, especially as their star wide receiver George Pickens is still fighting an injury.
Associated Press
Steelers' George Pickens talks with Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase after a game during the 2023 season.
Pickens has taken another step forward during his third NFL season, and he has been thriving while playing with Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, the talented wide receiver suffered a hamstring injury during the final days of practice leading up to Pittsburgh's Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Pickens missed that game and the following game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but there was a bit of optimism that he would be able to play in Baltimore. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday during an appearance on Good Morning Football that it is more likely that Pickens will miss his third straight game.
"We'll start with George Pickens, their star receiver, who has missed the last several games with a hamstring injury. It seems like he is set to miss this game as well." Rapoport said. "He has not practiced yet this week with a short week. That would indicate George Pickens is unlikely to be out there. Though he was taking part in individual drills, so potentially, for a team that plays on Christmas, potentially his return is coming."
Pittsburgh is in the middle of its hardest stretch of the 2024 season. Going into Week 15 Head Coach Mike Tomlin and co. knew they would be taking on three talented teams in a span of just 10 days. They already played and lost to the Eagles, then the team will travel to play the Ravens, and then the Steelers will be hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. During a stretch like this the coaching staff has to be smart with injuries, especially with the playoffs right around the corner.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens during practice ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets in 2024.
Some fans allowed themselves to get a bit optimistic early in the week of practice ahead of the Steelers clash with the Ravens. This was because Pickens was seen on the practice field running through some drills, but he still wasn't listed as a participant in practice. Through Wednesday the wide receiver has yet to practice, which likely means he is closer to out for Saturday's game in Baltimore.
Wilson clearly missed Pickens during the Steelers loss to the Eagles in Week 15. The entire offense struggled. A lot of that has to do with Philadelphia's stifling defense, but Pickens not being on the field also played a role in the offensive struggles. It is of the utmost important that the organization gets its receiver back fully healthy in a timely manner. Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff spot, but it can slide down the standings relatively easy if it falls to Baltimore on Saturday.
ESPN.com
Steelers' George Pickens secures a 41-yard touchdown and the winning score against the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.
Steelers' George Pickens Typically Has The Ravens' Number
Pickens always shows up in a big way when the Steelers take on the Ravens. During his rookie year he had a few big catches on a last-minute game-winning drive near the end of the regular season, and in 2023 he caught 10 passes for 130 yards and the game-winning touchdown during the two sides first matchup of the year. He didn't have a single catch during the two team's second meeting of 2023, but that was mainly because of the monsoon-like weather conditions.
The wide receiver had nine catches against Baltimore earlier in the 2024 season, and his production will certainly be missed in Week 16 is he is unable to get on the field.
What do you think about Pickens potentially missing the game against Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
