Steelers' George Pickens addresses controversies surrounding eye black, lack of snaps

Mike Moraitis

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Steelers' George Pickens addresses controversies surrounding eye black, lack of snaps image

There has been nothing but controversy surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens following the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Not only did Pickens write a message on his eye black that included an expletive, which may get him fined, he also saw a significant drop in snaps, falling behind fellow receiver Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson in the loss to Dallas.

After avoiding the media on Sunday and Monday, Pickens took questions before the team took the practice field on Thursday. Pickens downplayed his eye black message and said he didn't expect the blowback that came from it.

“It’s just eye black,” Pickens said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, before responding, "nah" when asked if he expected it to cause a stir. Pickens shook his head "no" when asked if he's heard from the league.

Steelers fans will most certainly remember the ridiculous fine defensive lineman Cam Heyward received for writing a message on his eye black to honor his late father in 2015. If that drew a fine, Pickens' almost certainly will, also.

When asked about his drop in snaps, Pickens said it was probably part of the game plan. In terms of what he can do to increase his snaps, Pickens said that's not up to him and is instead on offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

"I think it was probably the game plan, so that's pretty much it," Pickens said of his drop in snaps last week, per DK Pittsburgh Sports.

“That’s not on me. It’s all up to Arthur [Smith]," he replied, per Mark Kaboly.

Another controversy surrounding Pickens was the lack of effort he gave on some routes on Sunday night. It doesn't look like he was asked about that, though.

Even though he finally addressed the controversies around him, it was very clear Pickens wasn't interested in giving expansive answers. He's obviously not thrilled right now, which isn't great news for the Steelers.

We'll see if Pickens can turn things around on Sunday, when the Steelers travel to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.