George Pickens blows big secret Mike Tomlin tried to keep under wraps

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

Mike Tomlin has refused to publicly name a starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into their game against the New York Jets on Sunday night, but the secret is now officially out thanks to George Pickens.

Tomlin was asked by reporters on Friday whether he has decided if Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will start in Week 7. The coach said he has chosen a starter but that he will keep the decision “in house.”

Mike Tomlin on #Steelers QB decision, if he’s ready to name a starter pic.twitter.com/6NQHP1Bftn

— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 18, 2024

Pickens apparently did not get the memo. Just minutes after Tomlin chose not to tell the media whether it will be Wilson or Fields under center against the Jets, Pickens let the cat out of the bag. The star wide receiver said he has worked with Wilson after practice this week “more than usual because this is (Wilson’s) first start.”

George Pickens said he’s been putting in extra work with QB Russell Wilson after practice – more than usual – “because this is his first start.” pic.twitter.com/6rlQSBU8Hj

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 18, 2024

It has been obvious for a few days now that Wilson is going to start. The 35-year-old has gotten first-team reps in practice over Fields this week. Wilson also seemed to answer the big question with some comments he made to the media.

For whatever reason, Tomlin does not want to publicly name a starter. He probably will not be thrilled that Pickens did that for him.