Pickens missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury, during which the Steelers went 1-2 and saw their explosiveness on offense diminished.

Russell Wilson averaged 6.2 yards per attempt, and Pittsburgh earned 167.7 yards per tilt in the past three contests. While the struggles aren’t solely due to missing Pickens, his absence can be directly tied to some of the offensive restrictions. In Wilson’s previous six games with Pickens in the lineup, the QB averaged 8.7 yards per attempt and the offense put up 271.0 yards per tilt.

Losers of two straight, Mike Tomlin’s club is in danger of losing its once-burgeoning lead in the AFC North. Pittsburgh (10-5) currently holds the tiebreaker over the Baltimore Ravens (10-5). Next Gen Stats gives the Steelers a 39% chance to win the division, while the metrics allot 61% to the Ravens.

The hope is Pickens’ return to the lineup can jumpstart the Steelers’ offense against a stingy Chiefs defense and keep hope alive in the AFC North.

Meanwhile, backup quarterback Justin Fields is listed as questionable due to an abdominal injury. Pittsburgh ruled out receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) and Joey Porter Jr. (knee).