Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin insists that wide receiver George Pickens is not a distraction, despite the player's recent public displays of dissatisfaction. Pickens' behavior has led to speculation about his commitment and maturity, as well as the team's overall chemistry.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a delicate situation involving wide receiver George Pickens, whose recent behavior has raised concerns about his attitude and commitment to the team. Despite coach Mike Tomlin's insistence that Pickens is not a distraction, the player's actions have drawn attention and scrutiny.
Pickens has been a key contributor to the Steelers' 3-2 start, leading the team in receptions and yards. However, he played a career-low 34 snaps during the team's 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Pickens caught three passes for a season-low 26 yards on seven targets but spent much of the game on the sidelines.
George Pickens' Controversial Behavior Raises Concerns for Steelers Coach
Tomlin attributed the reduction in playing time to "load management," suggesting that the team is trying to preserve Pickens' health for later in the season. However, Pickens' reaction to the decision has been less than positive.
During the game, Pickens was seen wearing eye black with the phrase "always (expletive) open" written on it, a clear indication of his frustration. He also sat motionless and alone for long stretches while his teammates met with coaches. After one particularly frustrating play, Pickens slammed his helmet so hard coming off the field that it bounced over the bench.
After the game, Pickens grabbed at the facemask of Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who later called Pickens "weak." Pickens declined to speak to reporters after the game and brushed them off again on Monday, retreating to the team's equipment room during the media window.
This is not the first time Pickens has found himself in hot water due to perceived lack of effort. Last season, he was criticized for not blocking downfield when teammate Jaylen Warren broke off a long run. Pickens defended the decision at the time by citing injury avoidance.
Tomlin has repeatedly backed Pickens publicly, saying in September that he "absolutely" believes Pickens would handle adversity both on and off the field more positively as he enters his third season. However, recent events have called that optimism into question.
Asked on Tuesday if he still feels the same way, Tomlin said, "in those instances, no, but largely it's been an improvement in those areas, certainly."
Tomlin added that the decision to reduce Pickens' playing time was communicated to him before the Dallas game and that Pickens did not have an issue with it. However, Pickens' subsequent behavior suggests otherwise.
The Steelers need Pickens to be engaged and on the field if they want to have a balanced offense. Production from the receivers behind him on the depth chart has been modest at best. Pickens' 23 receptions through five games is more than the combined total from Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Calvin Austin III (18).
The team's quarterback situation is also uncertain. Justin Fields had perhaps his shakiest performance of the season against Dallas, completing a season-low 55% of his passes. Russell Wilson is expected to be a full participant in practice on Wednesday for the first time since aggravating a calf injury in the season opener. However, Tomlin declined to speculate on when Wilson might reclaim the starting job.
The Steelers face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Pickens' behavior and the team's uncertain quarterback situation will be key storylines to watch as the Steelers look to improve their record and build momentum for the second half of the season.
