Steelers' Mike Tomlin says there's an 'outside chance' team's leading receiver plays in Week 15

As it became apparent that Pickens' injury was more significant than initially expected, the Steelers elected to make the call that he would not start against Cleveland shortly before the game kicked off.

If Pickens is unable to play for a second week in a row, that would be a major loss for Pittsburgh, given he leads the team in receiving yards (850).

While the Steelers (10-3) took care of the Browns, 27-14, the schedule gets more difficult in the coming weeks. Beginning with an in-state rivalry against the Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) on Sunday, the Steelers stay on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) before returning home on a short week to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) on Christmas Day. That is a difficult three-game stretch in 11 days.

Although Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland, QB Russell Wilson was held to just 158 yards without Pickens. That was only the second time since Wilson became the starter on Oct. 20 that he failed to reach 200 or more passing yards in a game.

According to TeamRankings, the Eagles are tied for second in opponent points per game (18 PPG), so the absence of Pickens in the passing game could continue to become a problem for Pittsburgh, especially on Sunday.

If Pickens is out once again, receivers Calvin Austin III (387 yards, four TDs), Van Jefferson (231 yards, two TDs), Mike Williams (68 yards, one TD) and Scotty Miller, who had a season-high three catches on four targets against the Browns, may be asked to take on an increased role in the offense. 

While the Steelers own a two-game lead in the AFC North over Baltimore, their difficult schedule will make it challenging to maintain that lead down the stretch, especially if Pickens continues to miss time.