Steelers’ George Pickens says his limited playing time is decided by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith

After three straight wins to start the season, the Steelers have misplaced two straight. Each video games have been three-point losses and Pittsburgh in 3-2 on the 12 months. They gave up a last-second landing in Week 5 to lose 20-17 to the Cowboys. Pittsburgh is on the highway in Week 6 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Talking with the media this week, George Pickens talked about his restricted taking part in time up to now this season. The 23-year-old famous that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was chargeable for that call. Pickens is certainly the Steelers’ most proficient WR. Nevertheless, Pickens doesn’t see work like a real WR1. Will that change after he made these public feedback to the media this week?

George Pickens is annoyed with how he’s getting used offensively by the Steelers

George Pickens: Taking part in time is as much as Arthur Smith. https://t.co/BZOyml8ZdJ

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 10, 2024

Within the second spherical of the 2022 NFL draft, the Steelers chosen WR George Pickens out of Georgia. As a rookie, Pickens performed in all 17 video games for the Steelers and made 12 begins. He had 52 catches for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first 12 months. With the Steelers in 2023, Pickens once more performed in all 17 video games and made 16 begins. He completed the season with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns. Pickens’ (18.1) yards per reception in 2023 led your complete league. Explosive performs via the air are how Pickens thrived final season.

5 video games into the 2023, Pickens shouldn’t be off to a sizzling begin. He’s had 100+ receiving yards in only one sport this season. Moreover, Pickens is taking part in simply 73% of the staff’s offensive snaps. That’s in comparison with 87% in 2023. Pittsburgh’s offense shouldn’t be catered to passing the ball with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. The Steelers are working the ball (32.8) occasions per sport in comparison with (27.4) cross makes an attempt. They’re prime 5 in dashing makes an attempt and are backside 5 in cross makes an attempt per sport. That every one has factored into George Pickens having a sluggish begin to the 2024 season. Will Pickens’ public feedback about his utilization get the WR a couple of extra targets in Week 6?