First Call: Ex-Steeler rips George Pickens; James Conner eyes return; Packers' injury update

Thursday’s “First Call” has harsh words for George Pickens from a Steelers alum. We get a health update on the Green Bay Packers as they eye a trip to Pittsburgh on Sunday.

A former Steeler and Pitt Panther is preparing for a return. And a noteworthy change to the NFL’s pre-draft process is about to happen.

No room for interpretation

Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge minced no words regarding his evaluation of George Pickens’ recent discontent.

After the win over the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Pickens posted “Free Me” on Instagram, presumably because he only had two catches for minus-1 yard. He also apparently hid all images related to him and the Steelers on his page. Pickens was also seen leaving the field with no celebration at all after Diontae Johnson scored what would go on to be the game-winning touchdown.

None of that sat well with Hoge. The former Steelers running back and one-time team scout had this to say about Pickens on WDVE Wednesday morning.

“He’s very immature. I think people know that. You’re going to have to establish some way for him to establish ownership. And you’ve got to challenge him on that. You can’t just say, ‘He is a young kid,’ and make these excuses for him, because he’s making excuses,” Hoge said. “You point fingers and cast blame, but not one time did you look in the mirror. We’re not going anywhere; we’re not gonna build championships with people like you and attitudes like that. We just won’t. So you wanna change that? Change that. If not, then we’re gonna have a problem going down the road into the future if you don’t start seeing things differently.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Pickens tried to tamp down the conversation surrounding his postgame frustrations by insisting there was nothing to his social media activity and that he was genuinely happy for Johnson and with the victory.

Peeking at the Pack

According to PackersWire.com, here’s a look at the team’s injury situation as Green Bay prepares for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.

• According to coach Matt LaFleur, receiver Christian Watson passed concussion evaluations and was “full go” at Wednesday’s practice. Watson left Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter. He suffered a hard fall during a 37-yard catch and was evaluated for a concussion. The team reported both chest and back injuries, but he appears on target to play Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

• Defensive lineman Kenny Clark was limited Wednesday. He left Sunday’s win with a shoulder injury in the first half and didn’t return.

• Running back Aaron Jones wasn’t wearing a red no-contact jersey during practice. LaFleur expressed no concern over his workload.

• Cornerback Jaire Alexander didn’t practice Wednesday. He’s been battling a lingering back injury. Starting left tackle Yosh Nijman and right guard Jon Runyan Jr. did not practice. Linebacker Quay Walker (groin) also missed practice after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Rams. Safety Rudy Ford was limited.

Here’s a full look at the report.

Initial Packers injury report for #GBvsPIT pic.twitter.com/6rkP9GLqNn

— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) November 8, 2023

Only four names were on the Steelers injury report. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) and defensive lineman Montravius Adams (ankle) did not participate. Elandon Roberts (knee) and Cameron Heyward (groin) were limited.

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Getting back on board

Former Steeler James Conner is making his way back to the Arizona Cardinals. The Pitt product has been designated to return from injured reserve after missing four weeks with a knee injury.

The running back’s practice window is now open, giving the Cardinals 21 days to restore him to the active roster. If that doesn’t happen, he will revert to IR for the rest of the season.

Conner injured his knee in the Cardinals’ Week 5 loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. They have gone 0-4 in his absence.

Conner was limited in his first practice back on Wednesday. According to the Arizona Republic, Conner may return this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, but head coach Jonathan Gannon simply said, “We’ll see how it goes.”

In the five games prior to his injury, Conner rushed for 364 yards and two touchdowns on 5.4 yards per attempt. Arizona may also get quarterback Kyler Murray back on the field this weekend. He has been activated to the 53-man roster.

The Cardinals visit Acrisure Stadium on Dec. 2.

Something to remember

A significant change is about to hit the NFL Draft prep schedule.

All the college All-Star games will now be open to juniors who declare for the draft and make themselves draft-eligible.

That news according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Just in: The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams today, informing them that all college juniors who declare for the Draft now will be eligible to play in the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl or HBCU Legacy Bowl, per sources.

Last year, 69 juniors entered the draft but couldn't play in an…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) Nov. 8, 2023

Until this change, those games were restricted to seniors. One thing that is still unclear is whether redshirt sophomores will be allowed to participate as well or just juniors.

In the past, the Senior Bowl did allow juniors who had graduated to participate as well. Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, says his game is on board with the expansion of opportunity.

Everyone at @seniorbowl is excited about today's announcement re: all juniors being eligible for our game.

We've been building our board with underclassmen in anticipation of this potentially happening.

Looking forward to great 75th Anniversary game!#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/BKCqzwjCCo

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) November 8, 2023

There’s no word on a potential name change for that game or what will come of the roster construction.