Steelers Could Face Old Friend Against Seahawks

The Pittsburgh Steelers could see a familiar face on the field in Week 17 when they play the Seattle Seahawks. With rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon dealing with a hip injury, former Pittsburgh first-round pick Artie Burns could be on the field for the Seahawks this weekend. 

Burns, 28, was the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2016. In four years with Pittsburgh, Burns played 58 games, including 32 starts, contributing four interceptions and 27 pass deflections for the defense. 

However, the first-round pick only played a role on the defensive side of the ball his first three seasons. By his final year on the team, he was active for just 10 games, contributing mostly on special teams before leaving in free agency. 

This season, Burns has played 222 defensive snaps for the Seahawks, and has been in the mix to help replace Witherspoon the last two weeks. With the rookie missing Week 16, it's a possibility he's out again in Week 17 against the Steelers, setting Burns up with an opportunity to contribute against his former team. 

He'll have his hands full against the Steelers, who just put up 290 yards through the air. George Pickens is coming off a career-best game, catching four passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns.