Through 12 games this season, Pickens had established himself as the clear leader in Pittsburgh’s receiver room. He was in the midst of a career year, racking up 55 receptions for 850 yards and three touchdowns. Then, after the Steelers’ final practice before a week 14 matchup against the Browns, Pickens popped up on the injury report with a hamstring injury. He didn’t play that week and is now confirmed to miss his third game in a row.

In his absence, the Steelers’ passing attack has been non-existent. They ran the ball effectively in a win against the Browns but were suffocated by the Eagles’ run defense in week 15, resulting in a measly 20:08 in time of possession. With Pickens out of the lineup, Russell Wilson has completed just 29 passes for 286 yards through two games. There’s no questioning the ripple effect this injury caused for the rest of the offense.

The Steelers are set to take on their heated division rivals, the Ravens, in Baltimore on Saturday. Matchups between these two teams have earned the reputation of being low-scoring, defensive battles. With the Steelers’ top wide receiver ruled out, expect more of the same this weekend. Wilson is likely off the fantasy radar, even in superflex and 2QB leagues, as his team looks to lean on the ground game again. Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren are each intriguing options as volume-based plays in week 16 fantasy football matchups.

Reported by Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB on Twitter/X)