Is George Pickens Injured Or Playing in Week 14 (2024)? Should I Pickup and Start Calvin Austin III?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is certainly at least two things -- he's a very good NFL receiver and a huge diva. He's one of the few players in the league that consistently lets his attitude issues get in the way of production. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin should be given a medal for what he's dealt with in his WRs over the years.

Still, Pickens is a good fantasy producer, meaning managers should be staying updated with his injury situations. At times, he's looked like a genuine fantasy football WR1, and while that hasn't been consistent, the upside is there. In a week with plenty of teams on bye so late in the season, it's crucial to stay on top of the news.

So, is Pickens hurt, or will he play in Week 14? Is fellow Pittsburgh wide receiver Calvin Austin III a good alternative for fantasy managers this week if Pickens is out? Let's take a look!

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Is George Pickens Injured Or Playing?

UPDATE: Pickens (hamstring) is officially OUT. Calvin Austin can be flexed as a fringe WR3 option.

Pickens is dealing with a hamstring issue that landed him on the team's injury report on Thursday. He apparently sustained the ailment at practice, which is not a good sign. We don't know whether he'll miss the team's contest with the Cleveland Browns yet, though. This one could come down to the wire.

Final #Browns-Steelers injury/participation report.

Amid all the trash talk, WR George Pickens popped up on the injury report today with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday's game. pic.twitter.com/rh0i6T7kCA

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 6, 2024

He's officially listed as "Questionable" after logging a limited practice on Friday. Hamsting issues are tricky. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he ends up not being able to play. The team might opt to let him heal, as aggravating the injury could lead to serious consequences. They'll need him for the playoffs they're likely to make.

Should I Pickup and Start Calvin Austin III?

If you have Pickens on any of your rosters, it would be a good idea to get Austin. The speedster has a solid matchup against the Cleveland Browns defense, which hasn't been great against receivers this year.

The more I watch Calvin Austin make significant plays. The more you see him open. The more I think about Sauce Gardener saying he’s the hardest guy he’s ever had to cover in college.

Becoming a weapon for the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/7doGYwCUQr

— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 3, 2024

In a run-first offense as the WR2, he certainly hasn't reached his ceiling, and he has more upside than most options on waivers right now. If Pickens ends up not being able to play, Austin is a solid player to put in your lineups if you don't have any other good options.

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