Are George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, T.J. Watt Hurt? Fantasy Football Injury Updates (Week 16)

A trio of players that played for the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point in their careers have missed playing time in recent weeks. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson, and Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt (ankle) all missed snaps in Week 15.

They're all talented players, and Pickens and Watt are crucial to their teams' success and key players on fantasy rosters this season. Even in leagues without IDP players, Watt is extremely impactful for start-sit decisions, as the Steelers D/ST is one of the best in fantasy football, and they face the Baltimore Ravens this week.

Let's break down the injury statuses of all these players and how they should fare for playing in Week 16.

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Is George Pickens Hurt?

Yes, Pickens is dealing with a hamstring injury that held him out of his team's previous two contests. He returned to the practice field on Tuesday and went through some drills, but he was officially a "DNP", as he didn't participate officially. His status is still very up in the air.

🚨JUST IN: #Steelers star receiver George Pickens is running footwork drills at practice today at full speed.

👀

Pickens has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and Pittsburgh desperately misses him.
pic.twitter.com/1ZsUPnbcQE

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 17, 2024

What he did counted as individual work. He's healthy enough to do that, but it could be a long way off from being able to play. This DNP isn't encouraging. The Steelers play on Saturday, so Pickens will have one fewer rest day before having to play if he ends up being active.

We'd lean toward him not playing. While Pittsburgh sits at 10-4 and the Ravens are 9-5, and the division is still up for grabs, hamstring issue are simply not something you can rush. The team's further practices could give us a better idea if he will play, but it seems unlikely he'll return to full practice this week.

Is Diontae Johnson Hurt?

No. Johnson was suspended by the Ravens in Week 15 due to conduct detrimental to the team, and while he was reinstated ahead of Week 16, he won't play this week either. He agreed with the organization to be excused from all activities this week. It looks like the trade with the Carolina Panthers for him was a total wash.

Diontae Johnson is no longer suspended. He has not been cut, either.

But, the team announced that the two sides have "mutually agreed" to excuse him from team activities this week.

John Harbaugh was asked if he foresees Johnson returning next week:

"What I foresee, really to… pic.twitter.com/K2lbiGl0Ho

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 16, 2024

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn't elaborate deeply on the situation, and with good reason. The team is battling for the division title, and anything that distracts from their game against Pittsburgh on Saturday is a bad thing. We don't anticipate Johnson playing again this regular season, though.

It's possible the team could call upon him at some point in the future, but it seems unlikely. Every playoff game is a critical must-win, and it's tough to see Baltimore trusting in someone they know they probably shouldn't.

Is T.J. Watt Hurt?

Yes. Watt suffered a rolled ankle against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 and wasn't able to finish the game. He exited the contest for the medical tent and then the locker room. His status for Week 16 isn't known yet. He wasn't able to participate in the team's walkthrough on Tuesday.

TJ Watt says the X-Rays were negative on his ankle injury. That’s good news. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/qHrDbzjg5E

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) December 16, 2024

Injuries are starting to pile up for this team, unfortunately. Fantasy managers will need to check back for updates on the former Defensive Player of the Year's ailment. Practice updates may not be especially helpful, since the team could opt to give him as much rest as possible and play him in Week 16 anyway.

At least he avoided major injury. Some type of minor foot issue or a mild low-ankle sprain could be culprits. Either way, he shouldn't miss extended time.

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