The Pittsburgh Steelers have been off to a strong start this season with a 3-0 record, but head coach Mike Tomlin is not ready to name Justin Fields as the starting quarterback just yet. Colin Cowherd discusses the importance of stability and continuity within a football team for building a winning culture. However, wide receiver George Pickens recently found himself in hot water for violating an NFL rule regarding eye black messaging during games.
During a Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens wore eye black with an explicit word written on it. When asked about the NFL rule prohibiting such messages on eye black, Pickens admitted he was unaware of it, stating, “Never seen (the rule) before.” He seemed surprised when a reporter mentioned the fine his teammate Cam Heyward had to pay in 2015 for writing his father’s nickname on his eye black.
Despite the controversy surrounding his eye black, Pickens leads the Steelers in receptions and yards this season. In the same game against the Cowboys, he was involved in a physical altercation with cornerback Jourdan Lewis, dragging him to the ground by his facemask. Pickens attributed his frustration to a failed third-down conversion and fans’ reactions.
Coach Tomlin described Pickens’ reduced playing time during the game as “load management,” emphasizing the need to keep players fresh. Pickens accepted the decision and did not express any concerns about his role in the offense. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, in his first year with the team, defended the move, citing similar strategies he used with players in his previous coaching roles.
While the Steelers struggled to create big plays downfield against the Cowboys, Smith believes that limiting Pickens’ snaps does not hinder the team’s ability to gain yards. Despite the challenges faced by the team, Pickens remains focused on contributing to the Steelers’ success and following the direction set by the coaching staff.
As the Steelers continue their season, the incident involving Pickens’ eye black serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to NFL rules and regulations. While Pickens may have been unaware of the specific rule regarding eye black messaging, the situation highlights the need for players to remain informed and compliant with league policies to avoid potential fines and penalties.
