The Pittsburgh Steelers had another hit on the injury front in Week 16 — this time for wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who exited Week 16 with a hip injury and was questionable to return as of the second quarter, Burt Lauten of Steelers PR reported. Skowrenek did eventually make his return to start in the second half, where the Steelers received the kickoff.
Skowrenek was the team’s leading receiver at the point of his exit from the game, catching each of his two targets for 25 receiving yards, including a crucial eight-yard catch to convert on third down on the team’s touchdown drive.
The team has been notoriously short at receiver all season long, even when fully healthy, but without star wideout George Pickens, the loss feels especially impactful after his contributions to start the game. He’s totaled just three catches for 44 receiving yards this year with the Steelers over eight games active.
Skowrenek’s biggest contributions have been on special teams this season, including a monster fumble recovery against the Washington Commanders, which set up the ensuing touchdown from Russell Wilson to Pat Freiermuth.