Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens appeared poised for a big performance in Week 5, sporting eye black with the message “open always.”
However, the anticipated breakout never materialized, as Pickens ended the game with just 26 receiving yards in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
A major talking point after the game was Pickens’ snap count, which seemed to be deliberately reduced by the Steelers’ coaching staff.
“We just wanted to kind of minimize his reps in an effort to get more productivity,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained when asked about Pickens’ limited involvement.
“We’re managing reps with the big picture in mind,” Tomlin added. “[Pickens] wasn’t less of a focal point in our offensive intentions, but we wanted to cut his reps to get higher quality play.”
When pressed on whether Pickens was underperforming, Tomlin compared his usage to the rotational approach with veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, stating that Pickens’ reduced snaps were “no different” from that.
Tomlin emphasized that there was no “underlying story” behind Pickens’ reduced playtime.
According to Steelers Depot, Pickens was on the field for “34 of 58 snaps” against the Cowboys, while fellow wide receiver Van Jefferson played 47 snaps. Notably, Pickens sat out an entire offensive drive in the second half.
Steelers Fans React to George Pickens’ Usage vs. Cowboys
As expected, fans and analysts were vocal about Pickens’ limited snaps, especially considering he’s widely regarded as the Steelers’ top wide receiver.
“If you’re going to bench George Pickens with this WR corps, I can’t help you,” Behind the Steel Curtain editor Kate Magdziuk posted on X. “Discipline him after the game, we got 4-1 to do.”
Others criticized Tomlin’s reasoning
“The George Pickens explanation is absolutely terrible,” one fan tweeted. “‘We wanted to cut his reps to get more productivity.’ WHAT?!?!? SO HE CAN MAKE MORE PLAYS ON THE BENCH?!?”
Another fan speculated: “I’m guessing he’s in Tomlin’s dog house and Tomlin just made that up. No reason for your best and almost only WR to play limited snaps.”
One user sided with the Steelers’ decision, though not Tomlin’s reasoning.
“Shoulda put Pickens on blast and said he benched GP cause he has attitude issues and he’s not getting it done,” the fan commented.
If Pickens was indeed benched for disciplinary reasons, it would reinforce the Steelers’ longstanding culture of accountability, which Tomlin has cultivated over the years.
Justin Fields Finished Strong After Slow Start vs. Cowboys, But Steelers Fall Short Again
Quarterback Justin Fields managed a respectable stat line despite a poor first half, continuing a pattern that has emerged in his tenure as the Steelers’ QB1.
Fields completed 15 of 27 passes for 131 yards, with 2 touchdowns, both in the second half.
Fields also contributed 27 rushing yards on 6 carries, posting a passer rating of 93.3 according to ESPN. While he avoided turnovers, there were some close calls, including two or three near-interceptions and a strip-sack fumble that he recovered.
The Steelers’ offense was more methodical than explosive against Dallas. The longest reception was a 21-yard catch by Pickens, and Najee Harris and the running game struggled, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry.
It remains uncertain whether Fields will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
