Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is doubtful to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
Pickens injured his hamstring in practice last Thursday, three days before the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers decided to hold out Pickens against the Browns out of caution, and an MRI postgame showed the injury was more troubling than the team thought.
“So, we’re just in the mindset now of getting him healthy as quickly as we possibly can,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “There’s a potential for this week, but it’s an outside chance. If you press me, I’d probably say he’s out, or could be characterized as doubtful as we sit here. But, again, like we always do, we’ll go through normal procedure. We’ll let participation be our guide in terms of availability and then obviously the quality of that participation.”
Pickens, 23, has a team-leading 55 catches and 850 yards. He has caught three touchdown passes.
The Steelers (10-3) lead the AFC North. They can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday by beating or tying the Eagles, or a loss or tie by both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.