Steelers Press Conference Reaction: Preparing for Eagles Without Pickens

Steelers Focus on Veteran WRs Following Pickens' Doubtful Status

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that it’s likely his team will be without top wide receiver George Pickens on Sunday when it travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

However, unlike last Sunday’s game against the Browns, when Pickens was a surprise scratch due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him, the Steelers (10-3) are more prepared for the possibility of not having him available. “Certainly,” Tomlin noted, who mentioned Pickens is doubtful to play Sunday. “If he’s limited, and he probably certainly will be limited at the early portions of the week, it'll give guys an opportunity to get extended prep time.”

Veteran Contributions as Key Strategies

The absence of Pickens opens doors for veterans like Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and Mike Williams, who all exhibited professional tenacity last week. Jefferson caught a touchdown last game, while Williams made the most of his time on the field with three receptions.

Tomlin expressed confidence in these players despite being relatively new: “I just think you saw shades of that in their performance and the consistency of their performance last weekend.” As Steelers face the Eagles, these veterans need to deliver as they adjust to the absence of their key player.