Is George Pickens playing vs Chiefs? Steelers WR's status revealed for Christmas gameday

George Pickens has been absent from the Pittsburgh Steelers lineup in the last three games, two of which were losses against the Philadelphia Eagles and divisional rivals Baltimore Ravens. The talented wide receiver is a key piece for the offense, and his presence would be major against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pickens, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, is off the injury report and good to go for the Christmas Day game against the defending back-to-back NFL champions.

George Pickens' injury update

George Pickens started the week as a limited participant in Sunday practice for the Steelers. He was a full participant in Monday and Tuesday's sessions, resulting in no designation for this matchup.

Pickens' absence took a toll on the Steelers' offense, whose explosiveness was worse than when the receiver was on the field. During the past three games, Russell Wilson averaged 6.2 yards per attempt, and the offense averaged 167.7 yards per game. With Pickens, Wilson averaged 8.7 yards per pass and the offensive unit 271.0 yards per game.

This is proof of Pickens' importance for the AFC North franchise. He's returning to the field at the best moment since the Steelers are tied with the Ravens (10-5) for the top spot in the division after their disappointing loss on Saturday. With Pickens back on the field, Pittsburgh can hope to see its best game back for the final two duels.

In addition, the Steelers' backup quarterback Justin Fields is listed as questionable for this matchup with an abdominal injury. WR Mike Willams, S DeShown Elliott, CB Donte Jackson, LB Tyler Matakevich, LB Elandon Roberts, OL Isaac Seumalo, LB TJ Watt, DT Cameron Heyward and DT Larry Ogunjobi have no designation for this game.

On the other hand, WR Ben Skowronek and CB Joey Porter Jr. were ruled out with a hip and knee injury, respectively.

The Steelers will have a complex end to the season, as they first will clash against Patrick Mahomes and the virtually nearly unstoppable Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals, who would probably enter that game with chances to advance to the postseason.

The campaign's home stretch will be complicated for Mike Tomlin's squad, but as numbers showed, Pickens' return can boost the offense. He's posted 55 receptions for 850 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.