Pittsburgh Steelers

The fifth episode of Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North aired on Tuesday as the end of the regular season nears an end.

This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a critical Christmas Day matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs while the Baltimore Ravens had a meeting with the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals squared off with the Denver Broncos as they tried to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Not only did the Steelers and Ravens have big games to prepare for, but they didn't have much time to do it. By nature of playing on Christmas, a Wednesday, Baltimore and Pittsburgh had just three days between games after playing the previous Saturday.

The episode showed the two squads dealing with the quick turnaround time.

Even a King needs his reps 👑#HardKnocks | @KingHenry_2 pic.twitter.com/wbcDs4LVID

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

Preparation was especially difficult for the Steelers as they had to gameplan for one of the most creative players in the league in Patrick Mahomes.

In between getting ready for games, teams had the chance to partake in Christmas activities like giving gifts to each other and to fans.

A new way to protect the quarterback just dropped 🔥😂#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/xx2uNQGa8u

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston was feeling festive when he wore his pajamas to the office.

Dads 2 hours into Christmas morning 🎁#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/Olu4lQBWO3

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

It was a special day for the Watt brothers as J.J. Watt was on the broadcast for his brother, T.J. Watt's game. This week's episode gave fans a look at the production meeting with J.J. and T.J. before the Steelers' game against the Chiefs.

Being with family on Christmas 🫂#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/MpIJiQxtgx

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

There was nothing fun about the Steelers' Christmas Day matchup, however, as the Chiefs rolled past Pittsburgh 29-10.

The Steelers' loss helped Baltimore get closer to clinching the division, and the Ravens made the most of it. They were dominant on both sides of the ball against the Texans, winning 31-2 to make it three straight wins.

Jumping into the new year like 🤣#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/PQ5ijlLkxu

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

Them saying the Texans are on pushovers and they were literally pushed over by the Ravens. #HardKnocks

— mayra (@myra7) January 1, 2025

Amid the Ravens' dominant win, Lamar Jackson broke the record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback. This week's episode caught the moment Jackson found out and a fun interaction with fans.

Lamar is part of the BeyHive 🐝#HardKnocks on @StreamonMax pic.twitter.com/A9kteLY5AL

— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2025

https://twitter.com/Ahmadsubhani_11/status/1874283648956194850

The Bengals managed to keep their playoff hopes alive with an overtime win over the Broncos, and Joe Burrow was feeling himself after the victory.

Ja'Marr has taught him well 👨‍🏫#HardKnocks | @JoeyB pic.twitter.com/RZ3dINaENJ

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

Icy in OT 🥶#HardKnocks | @Bengals pic.twitter.com/tK1wTvRYq1

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2025

Overall, fans were pleased with another exciting episode covering an intense AFC North.

tonights hard knocks episode was so cute i almost shed tears. im gonna miss the bengals so much

— meg ⁷ (@treaburner) January 1, 2025

I love watching the steelers lose again. Thanks, Hard Knocks.

— Mimi a journey of Synths and Sensibility (@mimidancer) January 1, 2025

That entire Welcome to the jungle intro on Hard Knocks was awesome.

— Jungle Rat (@JungleRat55) January 1, 2025

watching the hard knocks episode joes reaction to denver tying in the 4th made me giggle

— nya (@sediciferrari) January 1, 2025

Next week's Hard Knocks will air at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday and should have plenty of good moments with the AFC North division title on the line.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly hoping that quarterback Russell Wilson's time with them lasts longer than one year.

During Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers would like to retain Wilson beyond the 2024 season.

"They'd like to go ahead and keep Russell Wilson and re-sign him to keep him in Pittsburgh," Schefter said.

.@AdamSchefter breaks down Russell Wilson's future with the Steelers ✍️ pic.twitter.com/YEmScGNPji

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 26, 2024

Wilson signed a one-year veteran's minimum deal with the Steelers this past offseason after being released by the Denver Broncos, who still owed him over $37 million for the 2024 season.

Wilson has been a solid fit for head coach Mike Tomlin's offense in his first year in Pittsburgh. He's totaled 2,334 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding two rushing touchdowns in 10 games this season. The Steelers have a 10-6 record and already clinched a playoff berth.

Schefter pointed out that there won't be many options at the quarterback position available to Pittsburgh during the upcoming offseason, so it would make sense for the team to bring Wilson back on a new deal.

"Who's gonna be out there that's an upgrade over Russell Wilson right now? There are two logical first-round quarterbacks in the draft, they're not gonna get either one of those," Schefter explained. "The top free-agent quarterbacks are gonna be Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson. Is there another quarterback in the trade market that's all of a sudden gonna spring-free? Probably not. So, this is where the Steelers are."

Wilson and the Steelers will close out the regular season on Jan. 5 in an AFC North matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).

DeShon Elliott expressed frustration with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates after a Christmas Day defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs marked the team's third consecutive loss.

"First off, guys can't be f--king wide open," Elliott said when asked what the Steelers could change to end the losing streak. "That's the first thing. Just do your job, you know?

"I thought we communicated. Guys just weren't doing their freaking job. So, get back to the drawing board. It's Week 18. Shouldn't be having these problems in Week 18. This is a Week 1, Week 2 problem. So, I don't know where we went down the line, started becoming a whole different defense than what we were, but we've got to get back to who we are."

Deshon Elliott with some strong words on the #Steelers’ efforts of late:

“First off, guys can’t be f*ckin wide open.” pic.twitter.com/tLlkMMaAO3

— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) December 25, 2024

Elliott wasn't the only member of the Steelers to call out his teammates effort after Wednesday's loss, during which the Chiefs were allowed 389 total yards of offense as they climbed to a 15-1 record.

"The last three weeks we played like s--t," Cam Heyward said after Wednesday's loss, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "Simple as that. I own that. Every player's got [to own that]. Can't squander opportunities, whether it's turnovers, whether it's getting off the field, whether it's scoring touchdowns, it's a multitude of things, and it has reared its big head.

Heyward added, per Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show: "When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn't, we are screwed."

Patrick Queen meanwhile said after the game, per PennLive's Nick Farabaugh: "Can't explain it, it's happening. We keep talking about it. Nobody is doing a thing about it."

The Steelers have been outscored by a total of 90-40 in consecutive losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Chiefs.

Pittsburgh's pass defense particularly struggled in Wednesday's 29-10 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

The Steelers entered Week 16 with the chance to top the AFC North with a win over the Ravens.

After losing three straight, clinching the division crown no longer entirely in the hands of the 10-6 Steelers. Pittsburgh needs both a win over the Cincinnati Bengals and a Ravens loss to the Cleveland Browns in order to win the division in Week 18.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their third straight on Wednesday in another poor defensive performance.

They gave up 29 points to the Kansas City Chiefs in the defeat after allowing 34 points against the Baltimore Ravens last week and 27 points to the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago.

After the loss, veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward was blunt about the Steelers' defensive struggles.

"When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn't, we are screwed," he said, per Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show.

It's unclear whether Heyward was thinking of any defensive player specifically, but the Steelers' secondary was especially bad in Wednesday's loss. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had 320 passing yards in the win, the second-most he's had all season. It was also the first time he's recorded 300-plus passing yards and three-plus passing touchdowns this season.

Though Pittsburgh's second unit allowed plenty of yards through the air, the defensive line failed to put much pressure on Mahomes, recording no sacks in the game. The defensive line managed to control the run, giving up just 69 yards on the ground.

The Steelers looked like a Super Bowl contender after a 10-3 start, but three consecutive double-digit losses to some of the top teams in the NFL have proved Pittsburgh still has some holes to fill in before the playoffs.

Heyward believes things start on the defensive end.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn't mince words after his team's Christmas Day loss.

The Steelers fell 29-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs, dropping to 10-6 on the season. Following the game, Tomlin said that the loss "sucked, to be blunt."

Mike Tomlin: “That sucked. To be blunt.” pic.twitter.com/Tay5n4gsrn

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 25, 2024

The Steelers dropped into a Wild Card spot with the loss, as the Baltimore Ravens jumped to first in the AFC North and control their destiny in the division with two games to go.

Pittsburgh went down 13-0 in the first quarter and never truly recovered. The Chiefs produced 389 offensive yards and did not turn the ball over. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes went 29-of-38 for 320 yards and three touchdowns while Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy Justin Watson and Kareem Hunt all scored touchdowns.

The Steelers actually possessed the ball for more time than Kansas City and outrushed the Chiefs 202-69. Pittsburgh's struggles came via two turnovers and five sacks, which halted any offensive momentum.

The Steelers have clinched a playoff spot but now have lost three consecutive games. Pittsburgh no longer controls its destiny for the Division and will hope to return to form in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was in a giving mood and rewarded his teammates for the holidays.

Wilson gifted the Steelers' offensive linemen a huge haul that included a $10,000 Airbnb gift card that can be used anywhere in the world, a Louis Vuitton duffel bag in Steelers colors, custom-made Steelers Good Man Brand shoes and a bottle of his wife Ciara's TenToOne Rum:

🎁
From: @DangeRussWilson
To: The offensive line pic.twitter.com/eFXiVZfy4f

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 24, 2024

Wilson is in his first season in Pittsburgh after signing a one-year deal this past offseason following his release from the Denver Broncos, but the team embraced him with open arms. The Steelers are tied for first place in the AFC North at 10-5 and already clinched a playoff berth.

In nine games, the 36-year-old has thrown for 2,129 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He's looked closer to the player who starred for years with the Seattle Seahawks than the one who struggled with the Broncos.

The Steelers will be in action on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs, who lead the AFC with a 14-1 record.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly set to get a key player back in the lineup for their Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and fantasy football managers playing in Week 17 could benefit from his return.

Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is expected to play after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. Pryor added that backup quarterback Justin Fields is questionable with an abdominal injury.

"I feel good, but who makes the decision is the coaches and the doctors," Pickens said Monday. "So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing."

In addition to Pickens' return, Pryor noted that safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Donte Jackson and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi were all removed from the injury report. However, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) will be sidelined after getting injured in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Pickens leads the Steelers with 55 catches and 850 receiving yards while adding three touchdowns. Pittsburgh went 1-2 in his absence and is now 10-5, tying for first place in the AFC North with Baltimore, which is also playing on Christmas Day against the Houston Texans.

"I mean, a lot," Pickens said of how much the offense has missed him. "I want to be out there with the guys, but they did their best to fight hard to try to get a dub, try to get a victory."

Pickens' return boosts the Steelers' chances to upset the defending Super Bowl champions, but the Chiefs likely will be extra motivated because they can secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is optimistic regarding a potential return to the field, but the final decision is ultimately out of his hands.

"I feel good, but who make the decision is the coaches and the doctors," Pickens said on Monday, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing."

"Whenever you guys find out is when I'll find out," he added.

Pickens has missed each of Pittsburgh's past three games due to a hamstring injury.

The Steelers have a quick turnaround following a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, as they'll host the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

Pickens' presence would be crucial for Pittsburgh as it attempts to remain effective against Kansas City's No. 3 scoring defense in the NFL.

The 23-year-old was in the midst of another strong year prior to the injury, averaging a career-high 70.8 yards per game. In 12 appearances, he recorded 55 receptions for 850 yards and three touchdowns.

GEORGE PICKENS MAKES THE ADJUSTMENT FOR THE TD 😱

WHAT A SNAG 🔥

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/aSCKbjzLJ8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 10, 2024

Pickens has served as a deep threat once again in his third year, taking the top off opposing defenses and allowing Russell Wilson to have more space to find other receivers over the middle of the field.

Pittsburgh's offense hasn't been as effective with Pickens sidelined, finishing with a 1-2 record while scoring 19.0 points per game since he went down.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also gave a positive update when speaking to the media, revealing that the receiver has a "real chance" to suit up against the Chiefs.

If Pickens isn't able to play, expect Pittsburgh to lean on Calvin Austin III as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth to carry its passing attack. Both players have combined to earn 26 targets over the past three weeks.

The Steelers currently sit at 10-5, owning a narrow lead over the Ravens for the top spot in the AFC North. Pittsburgh and Baltimore both own the same record, but the Ravens are at No. 2 in the division standings as the Steelers hold the tiebreaker between the two teams.

Pickens' availability should become clearer as Wednesday's contest approaches, with kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost two games in a row, but they may get some good news heading into Wednesday's Christmas Day contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters wide receiver George Pickens has a "real chance" to return from the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the last three games.

Pittsburgh's offense struggled without Pickens and went 1-2 in the last three games with the only victory coming against the Cleveland Browns. The unit managed just 13 points in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and 17 points in Saturday's defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.

Even though he missed the last three games, he is still the team's leading receiver this season with 55 catches for 850 yards and three touchdowns. Russell Wilson loves to find him on deep balls, which then creates openings for the other weapons on underneath routes.

Calvin Austin III is the only other wide receiver on the team with more than 258 receiving yards.

Austin led the way with 65 receiving yards against the Ravens and will likely be used as the No. 1 receiver once again if Pickens is unable to play against the Chiefs.

Pickens couldn't time his potential return much better considering the Steelers are tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North at 10-5. Pittsburgh has the tiebreaker, so it still controls its own destiny with two games remaining.

But that will be much easier said than done with a finishing stretch against the Chiefs and a Cincinnati Bengals team fighting for a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson took responsibility for a pair of turnovers during a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, starting with a second-quarter fumble.

"It's unacceptable," Wilson said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "It can't happen."

RUSS TAKES A HARD HIT AND FUMBLES TO THE RAVENS 😱

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/i2JPvdhPhd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

The veteran signal-caller also detailed the process that led to an interception that was returned for a touchdown near the start of the fourth quarter.

"I think that definitely changed the game when they got that interception," Wilson said. "I thought the defense did a good job of getting the ball back, and I was trying to throw it to [MyCole Pruitt] in his front number. I felt like the ball just stayed inside unfortunately and they made a play."

MARLON HUMPHREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/LOMbBM914K

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 21, 2024

Both turnovers were costly, as the fumble occurred during a 19-yard scramble that would have put the ball at Baltimore's four-yard line. With the score tied 7-7 at the time, Pittsburgh likely would have finished the drive with a lead if Wilson didn't lose the ball.

The Steelers were still able to keep pace with their AFC North rivals, as both teams reached 17 points in the third quarter.

While the Ravens put themselves back up by seven with a Mark Andrews touchdown, Pittsburgh appeared to be gaining momentum after Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off Lamar Jackson in the red zone.

Minkah Fitzpatrick has it for a Steelers interception in the red zone!

📺: #PITvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tKZq6gUtxr

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024

The excitement was short-lived, as Wilson tossed the interception that was returned for a score just two plays later.

Pittsburgh wouldn't be able to get on the board again before the contest ended, a disappointing result considering head coach Mike Tomlin's team would have clinched an AFC North title with a win.

Wilson finished 22-of-33 for 217 yards and two touchdowns to go along with the interception.

The 36-year-old has performed admirably since he was inserted into the first-string offense in Week 7, though. Entering Saturday's contest, he completed 64.7 percent of his throws for 1,912 yards and 13 touchdowns while getting picked off three times.

Russ is SLINGING it tonight 🎯

(via @NFL)

pic.twitter.com/Y3E47gM4x1

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 29, 2024

Pittsburgh still owns the top spot in the division despite falling to Baltimore, but Wilson will need to quickly repair any issues with ball security in order for the Steelers to start the playoffs at Acrisure Stadium.