The Pittsburgh Steelers got a surprise this week when wide receiver George Pickens was added to the injury report on Friday with a hamstring issue, which left his status up in the air for Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Pickens was fine over the first two days of the week, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers’ No. 1 wide receiver woke up with hamstring soreness on Friday morning, which led to a limit practice and then a questionable tag on the final injury report.
However, multiple reports and even head coach Mike Tomlin had said Pickens was expected to play on Saturday night and Sunday morning, respectively, but the former second-round pick was a surprise inactive an hour and a half prior to kickoff.
Here’s the latest update on what changed Pickens’ status ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
Why is George Pickens inactive?
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pickens intended to play in Week 14 against the Browns, but after having conversations with the team this morning, Pittsburgh decided to sit him in the interest of avoiding potentially making the injury worse and making it a multi-week issue.
The Steelers not having their best wide receiver is obviously a big blow, especially when you consider they already have shaky options behind him.
With Pickens out, that will almost certainly mean more snaps for veteran wideout Mike Williams, who was acquired ahead of the trade deadline but has been quiet since he recorded a touchdown catch in his debut in Week 10.
Wide receivers Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin could also see more work without Pickens on the field. Austin has been the second-best receiver on the team in 2024. Quarterback Russell Wilson figures to lean on tight end Pat Freiermuth more, as well.
The Steelers and Browns will meet for the second and final time this season, with kickoff from Acrisure Stadium set for 1 p.m. ET.
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