Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis blasted Steelers wide receiver George Pickens in the tunnel after Pickens was seen ripping Lewis' facemask at the end of the game.
At 1 a.m. Monday, the Dallas Cowboys scored a late-game touchdown to snatch victory from the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. But as the final whistle blew, a moment of controversy overshadowed the Steelers' second straight loss.
In a desperate last-second play, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was seen ripping the facemask of Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The broadcast captured the incident as the Steelers fell once again, with Lewis seen uttering words to Pickens.
Pittsburgh Steelers' George Pickens Rips Cowboys' Jourdan Lewis' Facemask, Gets Blasted in Tunnel
As the altercation unfolded, Lewis was caught on camera unleashing a verbal barrage at Pickens, questioning his character and suggesting that the Steelers acquire a new star wideout. "Pittsburgh need a receiver. George Pickens weak," Lewis was heard saying.
Pickens' performance on Sunday night was far from his best, with just 26 yards on three receptions despite seven targets. This setback came after a breakout game the previous week, where he recorded seven catches for 113 yards on 11 targets.
Pittsburgh Steelers' George Pickens Rips Cowboys' Jourdan Lewis' Facemask, Gets Blasted in Tunnel
Notably, Pickens' lackluster display occurred despite his eyeblack message: "open f---ing always." This disparity has raised eyebrows, especially given that his snap count was the lowest of the season, at just 34.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed Pickens' reduced playing time, indicating that it was a strategic move to enhance productivity. "We wanted to minimize his reps to get more productivity," Tomlin explained.
Pittsburgh Steelers' George Pickens Rips Cowboys' Jourdan Lewis' Facemask, Gets Blasted in Tunnel
Despite Pickens' flashes of brilliance, rumors have circulated for months about the Steelers' pursuit of another veteran wide receiver option. Reports suggest they had a deal in place for Brandon Aiyuk but were rebuffed.
Now, with Las Vegas Raiders star Davante Adams reportedly requesting a trade, the Steelers are reportedly considering an "aggressive offer" for his services. Pickens, drafted in the second round out of Georgia in 2022, has shown potential with his second-best yards per reception in the NFL last year.
His bust-up with Lewis has added another layer to the Steelers' season, with questions lingering over Pickens' consistency and the team's wide receiver situation as they try to address their offensive struggles.
