Is George Pickens playing today? Exploring Steelers WR's status for Week 14 game vs. Browns

Since Russell Wilson took over as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver George Pickens has flourished in the offense and played some of the finest football of his career. Pickens is now listed on the injured report as the Steelers look to move one step closer to qualifying for the playoffs.

The 23-year-old wide receiver appeared on the team's injury list on Friday due to a hamstring issue. After his limited practice participation the same day, he was designated as questionable for the Week 14 AFC North matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

With Pickens unexpectedly added to the injury list on Friday, fans will be searching for clarification about his status before the game on Sunday afternoon. However, the third-year receiver did speak to the media following Friday's practice, which usually bodes well for his prospects of playing against Cleveland.

Exploring George Pickens' availability status for Week 14

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, George Pickens is not expected to play today against the Cleveland Browns.

Pickens was a limited participant in Friday's session, which is never ideal, but he practiced without any issues on Wednesday and Thursday and was not included in the injury report on those days.

The hamstring injury that hindered him during Friday's practice appears to have ruled him out for another week.

In some more injury news for the Steelers, wide receiver Calvin Austin is no longer in concussion protocol and is scheduled to feature. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will also return to action on Sunday after missing three games because of an ankle injury.

How has George Pickens performed this season?

George Pickens is the Pittsburgh Steelers' top receiver this season with 55 receptions from 90 targets. He has also totaled 850 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season.

Pickens will not add to those numbers when the Steelers face the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 at Acrisure Stadium. The game is a replay of their matchup from Week 12, which Cleveland won 24–19.

George Pickens had a successful game the last time he faced the Browns at Acrisure Stadium, hauling in four catches for 127 yards and a touchdown of 71 yards last season.

But in last month's Week 12 loss to the Browns in chilly Cleveland conditions, he only managed four receptions for 48 yards. Pickens and Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II got into a furious argument at the end of that game, which set up a plot that might make for an intriguing Sunday afternoon clash between the two players.