Why is George Pickens not playing today? Exploring Steelers WR's absence for Week 15 showdown vs. Eagles

George Pickens and the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, with one eye on securing a spot in the playoffs. At 10-3, the Steelers will make the playoffs if they beat or tie the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles.

However, they will have to go up against one of the NFC's top dogs without star wide receiver George Pickens. Here's all you need to know about Pickens' injury status for Week 15:

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Why George Pickens isn't playing today vs Eagles

The Steelers have three starters out for the showdown with the Eagles - George Pickens, starting safety and leading tackler DeShone Elliott, and starting DL Larry Ogunjobi.

Pickens has been dealing with a hamstring injury for the past few weeks since the Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. While coach Mike Tomlin was hopeful that Pickens would be available for what's shaping up to be a big game, the maverick playmaker missed practice all week, eventually forcing the franchise to rule him out for Week 15.

Pickens has accounted for 25.8% of the Steelers' targets, 22.4% of receptions and 29.2% of their receiving yards this season. In his absence, Russell Wilson will have Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek to throw to.

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles injury report

Apart from Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi, the Steelers have listed two players as questionable for Week 15 - defensive tackle Montravius Adams and backup offensive lineman Calvin Anderson.

Over on the Eagles' side of things, only WR Britain Covey (neck) has been ruled out. They are unlikely to miss his services, given the fact that they have five active wide receivers to go up against the Steelers - A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith.

The Steelers vs Eagles game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET live from Lincoln Financial Field. The game will be broadcast on FOX.

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