Steelers' Mike Tomlin Predicts The Truth About George Pickens' Return In Week 17 Vs Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered two heartbreaking losses in a row in Weeks 15 and 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. While there was plenty of blame to go around, the defense struggled to stop the opposing offenses, and multiple turnovers occurred -- one of the biggest factors was the absence of wide receiver George Pickens. Quarterback Russell Wilson had some limited success spreading the ball out to players like Calvin Austin III. It just wasn't the same. 

Pickens has been a controversial player in the Steel City. While no one disputes his exceptional talent, his uncontested catches are nearly second to none. His occasional immature actions have made him a polarizing figure. In the weeks before he suffered a hamstring injury, he had gotten into some physical altercations and talked trash, which has drawn some unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. While Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith said that no player can hurt the team, they have really realized just how much they need him during his absence.   

He is expected to return in Week 17 to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day if he can pass one final health evaluation. The Steelers already have an uphill battle against the Chiefs and their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. If Pickens were to be unable to play, it would further limit the offense's opportunities to be able to score. In the games against the Ravens and the Eagles, Wilson couldn't create the dynamic plays he had been when Pickens was in. 

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke with KDKA Sports Director Bob Pompeani about his Keys To The Game. He asked the Super Bowl-winning coach about Pickens' potential impact in the Christmas Day game. 

"His presence is big," agreed Tomlin. "I mentioned he oftentimes affects schematics, and maybe he'll make Spags [Steve Spagnuolo] think once or twice about pressure because when you bring in more than four up front, they're generally one-on-one opportunities on the perimeter, and it slows down their pressure game a little bit or alter the nature of the contour of their pressure game. That's always the case when you have players like him."

The Steelers may have been lulled into a false sense of security after beating the Cleveland Browns without him. Wilson was able to spread the ball out to nine different receivers and move the ball down the field. However, they could not be as impactful when faced with significantly stronger defenses.

During his time in the league, one of Pickens' best abilities has been his availability. He has not been a player who has been prone to injuries, having not missed a game with one during his professional career. Prior to the injury, he had 55 receptions on 90 targets for 850 yards and three touchdowns.

Steelers' George Pickens' Injury May Have Helped His Future

A player as competitive as Pickens never wants to miss a game or even a play. It happens when injuries occur. While he may not like it, he might have inadvertently helped his contract negotiations. 

Pickens was drafted in the second round in 2022, which means that his rookie deal expires at the end of the 2025 season. The Steelers will have to make a decision about whether to extend his contract or not during the 2025 offseason. 

The Steelers traditionally do not engage in contract negotiations during the season, so Pickens will have to wait to hear what the team decides to do. However, the odds are more in his favor than ever before. The team has seen firsthand, while he has been injured, just what a valuable asset he is. That also means that other teams are seeing the same thing.  

How much of an impact do you think Pickens will have on the game against the Chiefs? Click to comment below. 

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