Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that it's likely the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in practice late last week and missed the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Pickens' injury is one that typically requires multiple weeks of rest, and the Steelers want to be cautious with their No. 1 wideout so that he's healthy for the playoffs. So fantasy managers that made the postseason shouldn't expect the 23-year-old pass-catcher to be available versus Philly. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver Van Jefferson benefitted the most from Pickens' absence in Week 14, but Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams will see more offensive snaps as well if Pickens misses a second straight game.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late last week in practice and was inactive for the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday. According to a league source, Pickens is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. There was optimism late Saturday night that Pickens would be able to play, but head coach Mike Tomlin made the call to hold the third-year player out for the first time in his NFL career. Tomlin will not speculate on Pickens' availability for a Week 15 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, and we probably won't have a better idea on his status until later this week. Pickens has been up and down in 2024 but has had much more upside since quarterback Russell Wilson took over the offense. With Pickens out on Sunday, tight end Pat Freirmuth led the team with 48 receiving yards and scored, while Scotty Miller was second on the team with 38 receiving yards on three receptions.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson converted his lone target into a 10-yard touchdown reception during Sunday's Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With George Pickens (hamstring) inactive, Jefferson played 74 percent of the offense snaps, which was his highest mark since Week 8. Although he was targeted just once, the 28-year-old took advantage of his lone opportunity and scored a third-quarter touchdown that gave Pittsburgh a two-possession lead over its divisional opponent. Jefferson's reduced offensive role keeps him off the fantasy radar, especially with Pickens looking like he'll return to action in Week 15.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams logged three receptions for 36 yards on four targets in a 27-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With George Pickens (hamstring) inactive, Williams stepped up for quarterback Russell Wilson, particularly down the field in contested catch situations. If Pickens were to miss extended time, Williams would likely become an intriguing fantasy asset, but it's difficult to project him for consistent opportunities otherwise. It is possible, however, that the veteran is more involved going forward. He is worth rostering in bestball and dynasty formats, but Williams will remain off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues heading into a Week 15 meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in just one of his four targets for four yards in a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. Austin was questionable earlier in the week due to a concussion he suffered in Week 13 but managed to clear the league's protocols and suit up on Sunday. However, he failed to make much of an impact, even with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined. Austin, who has four touchdowns this season, has flashed potential as a vertical threat but has not been nearly consistent enough to warrant weekly consideration for fantasy purposes. With Mike Williams getting more involved this week, Austin is only worth rostering in deeper dynasty formats ahead of a Week 15 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.