Steelers Lose Two Key Playmakers Ahead Of Divisional Matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their most important game of the season with multiple key players missing.

The 10-4 Steelers can clinch the AFC North this week with a win against the 9-5 Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh won the first meeting against their division rivals 18-16, with kicker Chris Boswell accounting for all 18 points. Star receiver George Pickens led the team in receiving, with eight catches on 12 targets for 89 yards.

Pickens and quarterback Justin Fields have been ruled out for the team’s Week 16 rematch against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley.

“Thursday injury report: The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, with health a hot topic this week,” Varley said. “Receiver George Pickens, linebacker T.J. Watt, safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and quarterback Justin Fields are among those who have been dealing with injuries.”

“Pickens and Fields have been ruled out for Saturday, Elliott is out (was listed as doubtful on original injury report on Thursday 12/19), Ogunjobi and Jackson are questionable, while Watt has no injury designation. The Steelers were without Pickens the last two weeks as he has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith knows teams will defend against them differently without Pickens, but they just have to be ready for it.”

This will be the third straight game that Pickens will miss, with the Steelers going 1-1 in his absence so far. The offense has struggled with him out, averaging 215 total yards per game, and the absence of Fields will also limit the offensive packages the team will roll out Saturday. Pittsburgh has a chance to clinch a home playoff game with a win.

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