Three must-watch Steelers on 'TNF'

The Steelers (4-3) host the Titans (3-4) on "Thursday Night Football" in a game that feels like a must-win after an ugly loss a week ago. Here are three must-watch players for Pittsburgh in Week 9.

George Pickens, wide receiver 

Pickens was held to just one catch in the Steelers Week 8 loss to the Jaguars and is surely looking to have a bounce-back game. Granted, he took his lone reception 22 yards for a touchdown, which proved good things happen when Pittsburgh gets the ball in his hands. 

The second-year wide receiver will likely continue seeing more double coverage, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada must find creative ways to get Pickens the ball. Pickens seems to always show up in primetime and he has a great opportunity to get back on track against Tennessee's defense, which is allowing 232 passing yards per game.

Elandon Roberts, linebacker

The Steelers new-look inside linebacker group has been playing much better than the one fans had to watch a season ago and a lot of the credit must go to the veteran LB Roberts. No defender has a higher run-stop percentage (18.3 percent) than Roberts this season, per Pro Football Focus.

Enter Titans RB Derrick Henry. The massive 6-foot-3, 247-pound running back is not easy to bring down as he has rushed for 526 yards and three touchdowns this year. However, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin believes Roberts could be the key to slowing him down.

"It's his type of game. He's a thumper. He loves it," Austin said. "I love the energy that he brings. You may see a lot of E out there this week."

Joey Porter Jr., cornerback

Head coach Mike Tomlin finally named Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick and son of former LB Joey Porter, a starter over struggling veteran CB Levi Wallace. It was long overdue as the rookie cornerback has allowed just three catches for 32 yards and recorded an interception on 14 targets, per PFF.

However, he will be put to the test in just his second start as he will face All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins, who is coming off a 128-yard and three-touchdown performance. The Steelers coaching staff is not worried and believes he is ready.

"It was his time," Austin told reporters. "He's doing the things we want him to do, and we feel comfortable now that he's able to handle everything."