Analysis

Pickens will turn 24 in March, having topped 800 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He hasn't quite reached an elite level at his position, but his ability to make difficult, contested catches downfield is second to none, and there's no doubt his production has been negatively impacted by poor quarterback play in Pittsburgh. It's unclear if the QB situation will improve in 2025, potentially adding an extra element of contention to contract negotiations, which may already be difficult in light of Pickens' reputation for mercurial behavior and the gap between his production and his perceived talent/skill. The current CBA essentially eliminates the ability for players to hold out, but if Pickens is unhappy this summer he could opt to show up to the team facilities but not participate in practice.

Analysis

Pickens was coming off a poor close to the regular season, though he keyed the slight offensive resurgence the Steelers showed in the second half of their playoff loss. That began with an impressive 36-yard touchdown catch, during which Pickens spun to split two defenders along the sideline. He also chipped in an acrobatic 26-yard leaping reception on an underthrown ball from Russell Wilson midway through the fourth quarter. Pickens will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, making him a potential extension candidate this offseason. Regardless of whether a deal gets done, he should be set to lead the Pittsburgh receiving corps once again next season.

Analysis

Pickens was uninvolved for much of the first half as Russell Wilson took to the air only eight times. However, even with more extensive looks in the final two quarters, Pickens failed to deliver. He had three drops and was also not on the same page with Wilson late in the fourth quarter when he was streaking down the right sideline after beating his defender to set up a potential game-winning field goal or touchdown. Pickens will remain a focal point of the Pittsburgh offense in the postseason, but both he and the entire unit had a lackluster effort in Saturday's loss.

Analysis

Russell Wilson was under constant pressure and didn't have much time to wait for deep routes to develop, but he hit Pickens for a 41-yard gain late in the first quarter. The third-year wideout had missed the prior three games with a hamstring strain, but he appeared fully healthy Wednesday. Pickens needs exactly 100 yards to reach 1,000 on the season, a mark he'll take aim at in Week 18 against the Bengals.

Analysis

Pickens sat out each of Pittsburgh's past three games due to a hamstring injury, but he showed significant improvement in practice this week, as he was deemed a full participant in Monday's walkthrough before participating in full in Tuesday's standard practice session. As such, the star wideout is set to return for the Christmas Day home matchup against the Chiefs. Pickens is 150 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark on the campaign and should immediately resume his role as Pittsburgh's biggest offensive weapon in the passing game, while Calvin Austin will return to working as the team's No. 2 wideout after tallying 65 receiving yards both of the past two games in Pickens' absence.

Analysis

Pickens stated earlier Monday that he hasn't yet been cleared to return to action Wednesday against Kansas City, but his full participation in practice Monday suggests that he's certainly leaning toward that outcome. The star wideout has missed each of Pittsburgh's past three games while dealing with a hamstring issue. If he's able to return Christmas Day, it would be a big boost to the Steelers' passing game and could result in less looks for Calvin Austin.

Analysis

Pickens has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering hamstring injury, but he resumed handling individual drills Monday, per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com. The standout wide receiver was listed as limited on Sunday's estimated practice report, in which coach Mike Tomlin said he has a "real chance" to return Week 17. Tuesday's final practice report figures to be pivotal in determining Pickens' status for Week 17.

Analysis

The Steelers faced the Ravens on Saturday, so while the team didn't actually practice Sunday, Pickens' limited listing is notable nonetheless, considering he didn't practice leading up to Week 16 action. The wideout has missed the Steelers' last three games, but head coach Mike Tomlin noted earlier Sunday that Pickens is among the team's injured players who has a "real chance" to play against the Chiefs on Wednesday.

Analysis

Pickens, who sustained a hamstring injury prior to Week 14 action, has missed the Steelers' last three games, but it looks like he could be trending in the right direction as Wednesday's contest approaches. In any case, added context regarding the wideout's Week 17 status is slated to arrive via the team's upcoming injury reports. Pickens was deemed a non-participant in all three practices leading up to Saturday's loss to the Ravens.