New reporting from the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t simply creating issues on Sundays. In accordance with Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “a number of events” this yr.
Per Fittipaldo.
“A supply instructed the Put up-Gazette Pickens has proven up late for work on a number of events this season. Antonio Brown was infamous for being late, however Tomlin by no means lowered his snap counts.”
Pickens is the Steelers’ high story of the week following their second-straight loss Sunday night time towards the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens performed his fewest snaps of the season, 34 in whole and solely 59 p.c of the offense’s, ending the sport with three receptions for 26 yards. He dropped an important third-down go that would’ve put Pittsburgh in discipline objective vary.
At coaching camp, we famous on two events that George Pickens was the final participant on the sector for apply proper across the time of the opening horn to indicate the beginning of apply. Right here have been our notes on Day 7 of camp.
“Not that it’s actually any form of a deal, but it surely’s uncommon to see gamers not on the sector as the primary horn sounds to formally begin apply. Because it blared, DL DeMarvin Leal and WR George Pickens have been coming down the steps and hill. Technically, making them somewhat late.”
Throughout his Tuesday press convention, Mike Tomlin expressed little concern for Pickens’ scenario, denying that his lowered snap counts had something to do with an “underlying” off-field discipline story and that he had no issues with the trouble he displayed on the sector. He did point out that Pickens’ conduct, together with throwing down Dallas Cowboys DB Jourdan Lewis throughout the sport’s closing play, can be addressed in-house. He additionally wore eye black with an expletive and will obtain a number of fines for his actions. The NFL will announce these on Saturday.
As Fittipaldo notes, Pickens isn’t the primary Steeler to be tardy. Antonio Brown had the identical fame, particularly for off-field occasions, although he was the hardest-working participant every time he took the sector.
Although the Steelers’ main receiver by way of the primary 5 video games, George Pickens has had an inconsistent season and his fair proportion of damaging moments throughout the staff’s shedding streak. He went over 100 yards in Week 4’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts however fumbled the ball away in a crucial second contained in the Colts’ 10, taking not less than three factors off the board. And he struggled to make performs towards Dallas whereas reportedly visibly upset on the sideline.
All indications level to Pickens maintaining his regular position this week because the Steelers’ No. 1 receiver and first goal. Pittsburgh is making an attempt to keep away from a three-game shedding streak after beginning off the yr 3-0. They’ll tackle the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 4:05 PM/EST.