As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for their crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the health of several key players remains a hot topic. Wide receiver George Pickens, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is poised for a potential return after missing the last three games. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism regarding Pickens’s chances of taking the field on Christmas Day, a sentiment echoed with regards to other injured teammates such as Justin Fields, DeShon Elliott, and Larry Ogunjobi. The Steelers have struggled in Pickens’s absence, showcasing the impact of his injury on both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Tomlin acknowledged that he did not foresee Pickens missing such an extensive period due to the initial severity of the injury. The team’s offensive performance has noticeably dipped, averaging a mere 248.3 yards per game during the stretch without their star receiver. This decline marks a significant drop from their season average of 324.9 yards. Notably, the absence of Pickens has allowed opposing defenses to focus tightly on stifling the run game, ultimately hindering the Steelers’ overall offensive strategy.
The statistics tell a stark tale. The Steelers, who previously boasted a top-10 rushing attack averaging 126 rushing yards per game, have seen this figure plummet to an alarming 97.7 yards in the last three contests. The lack of a reliable deep threat like Pickens has forced defenses to stack the box, making life increasingly difficult for running backs attempting to find room to operate. Tomlin’s description of Pickens as a “splash playmaker” underlines his essential role in creating space and opportunities, transforming the dynamics of the Pittsburgh offense.
Moreover, beyond just the numbers, Pickens brings an undeniable presence on the field that can alter defensive schemes. His ability to attract coverage often leads to advantageous mismatches for other offensive components. Tomlin likened Pickens’s effect on opposing defenses to that of standout players like Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy, who similarly demands attention and can shift the balance of play.
While the offense grapples with injuries, the defensive unit faces its challenges as well. Ogunjobi and Elliott have also been out for two weeks, compounding the Steelers’ woes. Additionally, cornerback Donte Jackson’s involvement is in doubt following a back injury in their recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Looking ahead to the Kansas City game, uncertainty looms over the availability of Joey Porter Jr. and Ben Skowronek, who departed the field early in the last match. Tomlin’s comments highlight a cautious approach, noting that players who didn’t finish the last game may struggle to recover in time for Wednesday’s pivotal clash.
This lack of depth due to injuries not only affects the team’s performance but also places immense pressure on those who step in to fill the gaps. As the Steelers aim to reclaim some momentum, ensuring that their key defensive players are available is critical to curtailing a high-powered Chiefs offense.
Interestingly, despite the injury struggles, Tomlin has remained tight-lipped regarding any potential interest in former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson, who is expected to become available after his recent release from the Ravens. This silence suggests that the coaching staff may be taking a cautious stance, focusing on getting current players back to full health rather than adding new faces at this juncture.
In any case, the health of players like Pickens and Ogunjobi will be instrumental as the Steelers look to compete against formidable opponents in the playoff chase. As decisions are made in the coming days, the team’s performance on the field could hinge on whether these talented athletes can return to contribute meaningfully. With the clock ticking down to their Christmas Day showdown, the Steelers are left hoping for a Christmas miracle in terms of player health and performance.
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