George Pickens hints at frustration with Steelers
Sep 18, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) smiles on the field before the game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens saw his snap count shrink in last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, and it seems safe to conclude he is not happy about it.
Pickens had just 3 catches for 26 yards in Pittsburgh’s 20-17 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night. The former Georgia star played on just 59% of his team’s offensive snap. That was surprising after Pickens had 7 catches for 113 yards — both season-high marks — in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts the week before.
For reference, most top wide receivers play more than 90% of their team’s snaps. Pickens was asked on Thursday if there is anything he can do for the Steelers to give him more opportunities. He said that is up to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“It was just part of a game structure, game plan,” Pickens said. “You know, a lot of players play or something like that. … If Art wants to do a certain type of play or certain types of game plans, it’s going to be different.”
When asked if there's a way he can back up to snap counts he had before Pickens said it's 'up to Art', referring to Arthur Smith, and that it can change week to week.
"If Art wants to do a certain type of play or certain types of game plans, it's going to be different." https://t.co/swrHOK4hYm
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 10, 2024
Pickens did not exactly come out and say he is frustrated, but there were other signs as well. He was short with the media when asked about the vulgar message he had written on his eye black and whether he thinks he could be fined.
George Pickens said he wasn’t aware of the league’s uniform policy prohibiting unapproved personal messages.
It was pointed out that Cam Heyward was previously fined for writing his dad’s name in his eye black, Pickens said:
“Years ago? When I wasn’t in the league? So nah.” pic.twitter.com/8RpCzZw37f
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 10, 2024
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said this week that the team wanted to try to cut back on Pickens’ snaps “in an effort to get more productivity.” Arthur Smith told reporters on Thursday that he has taken the same approach with other star players and utilized Derrick Henry and AJ Brown similarly with the Tennessee Titans.
The situation with Pickens is newsworthy mostly because of his history. There was a report during the offseason that he butted heads with one of his coaches. He also had some sideline outbursts last season and showed a lack of effort at times.
Like most top receivers, Pickens wants the ball. The question is whether his lack of involvement in Week 6 was an oversight or by design. Either way, he does not seem happy about it.
