George Pickens path to recovery: What’s next for Steelers Star's return?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a major setback heading into their Week 16 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, as they’ll be without their star receiver, George Pickens, for the third straight game. Pickens, sidelined since Week 14 with a hamstring injury, has made progress in his recovery, but he won’t be ready for the crucial division clash. With Week 17 on the horizon, speculation is building about whether Pickens will make his return against the Kansas City Chiefs, as conflicting reports paint an uncertain picture of his status.


The Pittsburgh Steelers will face a tough challenge in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, as they’ll be without their top receiver, George Pickens, for the third consecutive game.
Pickens, who first appeared on the injury report in Week 14 with a hamstring problem, has been sidelined ever since. Although he participated in some individual drills this week, it wasn’t enough to get him back on the field, leading to his official exclusion from the upcoming game.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to Week 17, when the Steelers are set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, two conflicting reports provide mixed signals about Pickens’ potential return.

In a recent update from Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, George Pickens is expected to make his return in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals, though there's a glimmer of hope for a potential return in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fittipaldo noted,"I didn't get the idea that it got all that close," "He did more this week, obviously, than last week. I wouldn't rule out Wednesday against the Chiefs, but I think probably still looking at that Bengals game regular season finale as the likely return for George." (via: SportingNews)
Meanwhile, Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated provided a slightly more optimistic outlook, reporting that the Steelers are "hopeful" Pickens will be available for their Christmas Day matchup. "He’s running, and he made an effort to get cleared by doctors, but that didn’t happen in time. While he won’t play this week, there’s optimism he'll be ready for the Chiefs game."
Despite not practicing throughout the week, Pickens was spotted doing individual drills, signaling that his return is on the horizon. This couldn’t come soon enough for a Steelers offense that has struggled to find depth in its receiving corps beyond its top target.
The silver lining for Pittsburgh is that they've already secured a playoff spot, ensuring Pickens will rejoin the team before the postseason. However, his absence has significantly impacted their chances of clinching the division title, adding extra weight to his impending return.
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