The Pittsburgh Steelers won a potentially pivotal game Thursday night, moving to 5-3 and maintaining a strong position in the AFC playoff race. But squeaking out a 20-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans didn’t leave everyone on the Steelers pleased with the outcome.
According to Mark Kaboly, wide receiver George Pickens was the first one to leave the playing field at Acrisure Stadium following the final whistle.
“By far the first person that left the field, in the locker room and out the door. By far. He was not happy. I was told by people on the sidelines after the touchdown, he didn’t really interact with anybody. Sulking his head in his hands.”
Mark Kaboly on George Pickens
Pickens may have simply been upset with himself. He finished the day catching just two of five targets for negative one yard. The worst part was Pickens had a chance at a touchdown he just couldn’t get his second foot down in bounds.
Some have suggested Pickens has since removed all ties to the Steelers on his Instagram account, where his avatar has been changed and photos have been deleted.
The only post left on his Instagram is a compilation of his Georgia highlights from college.
He also reportedly had a post that was captioned “Free me,” which has since been deleted.
Meanwhile, the NFL trade deadline was this past Tuesday, meaning the Steelers, even if for some reason they would want to part with Pickens, wouldn’t be able to, and he’s far too valuable to release.
- George Pickens stats this season: 30 receptions, 521 receiving yards, 3 TD
Chances are this will all blow over by next Sunday when the Steelers host the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 12, but Kenny Pickett might want to start finding ways to get his top target the ball. Then again, if the Steelers keep winning, Pickens might want to fall in line.
Related: NFL QB Rankings 2023: See where Kenny Pickett lands after Thursday