Steelers' George Pickens Aware of NFL Policy on Black Eye Messages: 'I've Never Seen That Before'

NFL The rule prohibiting players from adding messages to black eye paint during games was not on George Pickens' agenda.

Third-year Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Has Black Eyes featured clear audio during Week 5's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The black stripe of eyes that stretched beneath his eyes said, “Always Open.”

“I've never seen (the rule) before,” Pickens replied when asked if he was aware of the league's black-eye policy. – Have you seen this before?

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Then the journalist mentioned the penalty Steelers defensive lineman Cam Hayward had to pay in 2015 when he wrote his father's nickname on his black eye. Cam's father, Craig, played in the NFL from 1988 to 1998 and earned the nickname “Ironhead.”

When Pickens, 23, mentioned a penalty for his teammate, he shrugged: “A few years ago when I wasn't playing in the league? So no.”

Pickens said “it's just a black eye” when asked if there was a motive behind the decision, and said he had not yet heard from the league about any potential penalties.

Jordan Lewis slams George Picken after Steelers star botches mask: ‘Weak’

The black eye was part of an eventful evening for Pickens, who leads the Steelers in receptions and yards by a wide margin.

Pickens pulled Dallas defenseman Jordan Lewis to the ground with his facemask on the final play of the game and hit his helmet so hard that it bounced off the bench at the end of Pittsburgh's scoreless possession.

“You know when it's a third down and you don't convert (you get frustrated),” Pickens said. “A lot of fans were pissed too.”

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens comes off the field during the third quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 6, 2024, at Akrisar Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Barry Rieger/Imagon Images)

Pickens played a career-low 34 snaps in what coach Mike Tomlin described as load management. In the second half, Pickens sat alone on the bench for a long time. Wounded Veteran on the Run Corporal Patterson One of the few teammates who checked on him.

'You definitely felt for him' – Steelers quarterback Justin Fields He said: “He's just passionate about the game. … The biggest thing is being patient and waiting for the ball because ultimately the defense knows we're trying to get him the ball.”

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a catch against Dallas Cowboys backup Donovan Wilson (6) in the fourth quarter at Akrisar Stadium. (Barry Rieger/Imagon Images)

Pickens said he had no problem with the reduction in playing time and blamed it on a plan devised by first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

“It's none of my business,” Pickens said. “It all depends on the industry.”

Smith downplayed his decision, pointing out that he limited snaps for players like Derrick Henry and wide receiver AJ Brown while serving as Tennessee's offensive coordinator to keep them fresh.

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While Tomlin lamented his team's inability to create big plays on the field – Pickens' longest gain against the Cowboys was a 21-yard reception – Smith doesn't think Pickens' limited playing time limits the Steelers' ability to gain yards. a large part

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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