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Steelers' George Pickens: 'I Feel Good' amid Injury; Status vs. Chiefs Not His Call

Zach BacharContributor IDecember 23, 2024

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 21: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is optimistic regarding a potential return to the field, but the final decision is ultimately out of his hands.

"I feel good, but who make the decision is the coaches and the doctors," Pickens said on Monday, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing."

"Whenever you guys find out is when I'll find out," he added.

Pickens has missed each of Pittsburgh's past three games due to a hamstring injury.

The Steelers have a quick turnaround following a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, as they'll host the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

Pickens' presence would be crucial for Pittsburgh as it attempts to remain effective against Kansas City's No. 3 scoring defense in the NFL.

The 23-year-old was in the midst of another strong year prior to the injury, averaging a career-high 70.8 yards per game. In 12 appearances, he recorded 55 receptions for 850 yards and three touchdowns.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

GEORGE PICKENS MAKES THE ADJUSTMENT FOR THE TD 😱 <br><br>WHAT A SNAG 🔥<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <br> <a href="https://t.co/aSCKbjzLJ8">pic.twitter.com/aSCKbjzLJ8</a>

Pickens has served as a deep threat once again in his third year, taking the top off opposing defenses and allowing Russell Wilson to have more space to find other receivers over the middle of the field.

Pittsburgh's offense hasn't been as effective with Pickens sidelined, finishing with a 1-2 record while scoring 19.0 points per game since he went down.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also gave a positive update when speaking to the media, revealing that the receiver has a "real chance" to suit up against the Chiefs.

If Pickens isn't able to play, expect Pittsburgh to lean on Calvin Austin III as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth to carry its passing attack. Both players have combined to earn 26 targets over the past three weeks.

The Steelers currently sit at 10-5, owning a narrow lead over the Ravens for the top spot in the AFC North. Pittsburgh and Baltimore both own the same record, but the Ravens are at No. 2 in the division standings as the Steelers hold the tiebreaker between the two teams.

Pickens' availability should become clearer as Wednesday's contest approaches, with kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.