Pickens recorded one reception on two targets for four yards in Saturday's 9-3 preseason loss to the Bills. Pickens played with Russell Wilson in Saturday's game after catching passes from Justin Fields in Pittsburgh's first preseason contest. He had a quiet stat line, though the offensive line struggled and failed to give Wilson consistent time to throw. Pickens also narrowly missed out on a highlight reel catch on his final drive, as he was ruled to have not tapped down his second toe as he was falling out of bounds.
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Status
ACTIVELatest George Pickens news
Team
Pittsburgh Steelers
Birthdate
3/4/2001 (23)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'3", 200 lbs
Draft Info
2022: Rd 2; Pk (PIT)
Birthplace
Hoover, AL, USA
Position
WR
College
Georgia
Experience
3 seasons
Career History
Pittsburgh Steelers
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
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Pickens recorded one reception on two targets for four yards in Saturday's 9-3 preseason loss to the Bills. Pickens played with Russell Wilson in Saturday's game after catching passes from Justin Fields in Pittsburgh's first preseason contest. He had a quiet stat line, though the offensive line struggled and failed to give Wilson consistent time to throw. Pickens also narrowly missed out on a highlight reel catch on his final drive, as he was ruled to have not tapped down his second toe as he was falling out of bounds.
Pickens caught both of his targets for 25 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans. Pittsburgh's starters played only one quarter, but Pickens showed a nice rapport with Justin Fields, who started at quarterback with Russell Wilson getting the night off. Regardless of who is under center for the Steelers come Week 1, Pickens is primed to lead Pittsburgh's receiving corps. The Steelers have two more preseason games left before then, including a Saturday, Aug. 17 matchup versus the Bills.
The Steelers' offense looked much more effective this week after offensive coordinator Matt Canada was fired ahead of Week 12, and Pickens had his best game since tallying 107 receiving yards against the Rams in Week 7. Pickens could still show some inconsistency as the season progresses, but it appears likely that he'll have more upside with a new offensive play-caller in Pittsburgh.
Pickens was sidelined for the Steelers' first Week 12 practice Wednesday due to the shin issue, but he erased any lingering concern about his health by advancing to limited activity Thursday and then full participation Friday. The second-year wideout has played at least 85 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in each of his first 10 appearances of the season, and he should comfortably clear that threshold once again Sunday since he's not carrying a designation into the contest.
After being deemed a non-participant in Wednesday's session, Pickens' limited listing a day later has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals. If the wideout is able to upgrade to full participation Friday, he'll have a chance to head into the weekend minus a Week 12 injury designation.
The injury is a new one for Pickens, who will still have two more opportunities to log some practice activity and put the shin concern behind him ahead of Sunday's road game against the Bengals. If the second-year wide receiver suits up, he'll be playing in a Pittsburgh offense directed by former running backs coach Eddie Faulkner after the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday.
Pickens led Pittsburgh in all major receiving categories, which evidenced the team's struggles in the passing game Sunday, when quarterback Kenny Pickett managed just 126 yards. With 205 yards on the ground, however, the Steelers didn't need Pickens to have a big day to secure another close victory. The wideout will now turn his attention toward Week 11's meeting with the Browns, who he posted 127 yards and a touchdown against earlier this season.
Although Diontae Johnson was targeted 14 times during Sunday's matchup, Pickens was the lone Steelers receiver to reach the end zone in the defeat. Despite his touchdown, Pickens logged season-low marks in targets, receptions and yards. The 2022 second-rounder has had the ability to provide a spark for Pittsburgh's lackluster offense this year, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him display some inconsistency now that Johnson is healthy.