Before even taking the field, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson is set to get some solid Christmas gifts coming his way.
Not only will WR George Pickens make his return as Pittsburgh takes on the Chiefs, but Kansas City superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones has been ruled out for the matchup, the Chiefs announced on Wednesday.
Jones was listed as questionable coming into the game with a calf injury. He suffered the injury in the team’s 27-19 win over the Houston Texans in Week 16, missing most of the fourth quarter. He did not practice on Sunday or Monday.
The five-time Pro Bowler has taken a step back this season, logging only 5.0 sacks, but has 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Kansas City will also be without left tackle D.J. Humphries, who will remain out with a hamstring injury.
Kansas City (14-1) has made its money on the defensive end this season, allowing 278 points and 4,608 yards, both marks are the third-fewest in the NFL.
The Steelers (10-5) — who can clinch the AFC North with wins in their final two games — will not have starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. available. Porter injured his knee in a loss to Baltimore last Saturday. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek, a special teams ace, is out with a hip injury.
Pittsburgh made veteran outside linebacker Preston Smith inactive for the first time since he was acquired in a trade with Green Bay earlier this season. Smith, who was not listed on the injury report, had been on track to play 18 games this season, a rarity.
Quarterback Justin Fields and defensive end Dean Lowry also are inactive for the Steelers. Fields is still recovering from an abdominal injury he sustained against Cleveland two weeks ago.
Defensive back Chamarri Conner, defensive ends Joshua Uche and Malik Herring, offensive linemen C.J. Hanson and Ethan Driskell also are out for the Chiefs.
The Steelers host the Chiefs at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. If Kansas City wins despite being without Jones, it will lock up the first seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
— With files from the Associated Press