Steelers’ Mike Tomlin says George Pickens will start vs. Bengals but has harsh advice seemingly directed at WR

In what was a rare occurrence, Mike Tomlin conducted a midweek media session in an attempt to fan the flames currently engulfing George Pickens. The Steelers’ second-year receiver is currently under the microscope after not hustling on several plays during this past Saturday’s loss to the Colts, then attempting to justify his actions in controversial fashion while also criticizing the media on Tuesday. 

Tomlin said that Pickens will start Saturday’s must-win game against the Bengals, but that doesn’t mean that Pickens is absolved of punishment for his recent actions. Tomlin did not disclose what those possible punishments are or could be. 

“George is a talented guy but he’s growing and growing in a lot of ways in regards to football and life,” Tomlin said, via ESPN. “We don’t run away from that. We run to that organizationally when we draft guys. We’re committed to being a component of their growth and development in all areas.”

Tomlin wants Pickens to be more professional with the media moving forward. Pickens blamed the media — and not his recent on-field actions — for the criticism he is currently receiving. 

“When you’re winning and doing your jobs, a lot of the attention is on things such as that,” Tomlin said. “When you’re not doing your job and losing, you better keep your damn mouth shut and understand that that tracks a certain type of attention, as well. And usually that’s vulture-like attention.”

As far as Pickens’ excuse to the media for not blocking on a run by teammate Jaylen Warren last Saturday (Pickens said he didn’t want to get hurt), Tomlin said that that wasn’t the reason Pickens gave him when the two discussed the matter. 

Tomlin said that Pickens’ situation is not unique to him and is very much a rerun of previous situations he’s had with other players. Tomlin said he and the Steelers have had success in the past when it comes to helping players develop as…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-mike-tomlin-says-george-pickens-will-start-vs-bengals-but-has-harsh-advice-seemingly-directed-at-wr/

Author : Bryan DeArdo

Publish date : 2023-12-20 21:30:32

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