The Pittsburgh Steelers are onto the Baltimore Ravens after a brutal loss to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 27-13. It was clear that the offense struggled for its second straight game without star wide receiver George Pickens. Dealing with a hamstring injury, the dynamic play-maker hasn't been able to be cleared to play during the team's crucial December stretch. More of the same is coming on Saturday, as the pass-catcher will miss the contest versus the Ravens down in Baltimore. It's going to be extremely hard for the offense to be consistent without him on the field.
Any team missing its leading receiver is never a good thing, but that is especially true in the Steel City. The franchise didn't do much to bring in support opposite of Pickens in the offseason, and the front office is now feeling that mistake a little bit more during a critical time of the year. Winning the division is of the utmost important, which is why finding a way to leave Baltimore victorious is at the top of the Steelers' to-do list.
If Pittsburgh is unable to secure a win against the Ravens, things get a little trickier. The team still controls its own destiny in that scenario, but will need wins in Weeks 17 and 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, to clinch a home playoff game. After Thursday Night Football, insider Albert Breer gave a promising update to fans hoping Pickens will be back for Christmas Day.
"He is running and he did make an effort to try and get the doctors to clear him," Breer said. "Ultimately, didn't happen. He won't play, but they're optimistic that he'll be able to go on Christmas Day against the Chiefs."
It doesn't help Pickens and the Steelers that they are in the middle of an 11-day stretch in which three games will be played. That is one of the main reasons the team has been extra cautious with its best offensive player. With a postseason spot clinched, the worst thing that could happen is Pickens playing too early and aggravating the injury. The goal is to win the AFC North, but Pickens won't play until doctors feel as if he is 100% ready.
Pittsburgh has been hit hard with soft tissue injuries throughout the 2024 season, but there are no excuses when it comes to top players sitting out. Every team throughout the league has to go through these types of situations year-in and year-out. The Steelers are focused on which guys are healthy enough to get on the field, and not which ones aren't.
The receiving corps has done what it can to produce with Pickens sidelined, but it's clear that the unit isn't the same. The rushing attack has suffered as well, and that's because opponents aren't nearly as afraid of the passing game with the Steelers' best wideout in street clothes. If there was any time for a pass-catcher to seriously step up, it will be Saturday in Baltimore.
Overall, it's very good news that Pickens is trending in the right direction for Christmas. If the team is optimistic that he can go, there should be very little doubt regarding his status for the playoffs. This is a very good time for certain guys on the offense to lead by example and fill the void left with Pickens out.
Steelers May Elect To Sit Out Pickens On Christmas With A Win In Baltimore
It's nearly impossible for Pittsburgh to get the number one seed in the AFC after losing to the Eagles in Week 15. If the AFC North is clinched on Saturday, then the team has the opportunity to sit Pickens out for the remainder of the regular season. This ensures he will be fully healthy for a playoff run. Going down to Baltimore and coming away with a win would put the Steelers in an incredibly good spot.
