Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is considered doubtful to play Sunday by coach Mike Tomlin. Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers could head across the state for their showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles without one of their best playmakers.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday wide receiver George Pickens likely will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury that is more significant than the team initially thought.

Pickens, who leads the first-place Steelers (10-3) in receptions (55) and yards receiving (850) by a wide margin, sat out Sunday's win against Cleveland after initially experiencing discomfort doing post-practice drills Thursday.

The team held Pickens out of practice Friday and hoped he would be able to play against Cleveland. Tomlin said he considered giving Pickens a limited snap count before ultimately making him inactive.

An MRI late Sunday revealed the extent of the injury, and Tomlin expressed doubt Pickens would be ready by the time Pittsburgh travels to Philadelphia (11-2) this weekend.

“There’s a potential for this week, but it’s an outside chance," Tomlin said. “If you press me, I could say he’s out or characterize him as doubtful.”