It looks like Philadelphia’s Week 15 opponent will be dealing with a key absence.
The Philadelphia Eagles will likely be facing a Pittsburgh Steelers team missing George Pickens on Sunday.
Though Mike Tomlin did not entirely close the door on Pickens suiting up, the Steelers head coach used the word “doubtful” to describe the wide receiver’s chances of playing.
Pickens is dealing with a hamstring injury that caused him to sit out in Week 14.
With the Eagles being the least critical opponent left on the Steelers’ schedule, there’s even more reason for them to play it safe with Pickens’ recovery.
Pittsburgh was just able to beat the Cleveland Browns without Pickens playing. But his absence is a significant hit to the Steelers’ offense. He leads the team in targets with 90 (40 more than the next closest player), receptions with 55 (11 more than the next closest player), receiving yards with 850 (380 more than the next closest player), and first downs with 35 (12 more than the next closest player).
These are the Steelers’ top wide receivers behind Pickens:
- Calvin Austin III — 42 targets, 23 receptions, 387 yards, 4 TD
- Van Jefferson — 30 targets, 18 receptions, 231 yards, 2 TD
- Scotty Miller — 8 targets, 5 receptions, 69 yards, 0 TD
- Mike Williams — 5 targets, 4 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Not exactly the most robust group.
The Eagles have long been tormented by Russell Wilson but this is the best defense they’ve ever had going into a game against him. And it’s looking like Wilson will be without his top weapon. Never been a better time to go out and beat him.
