Tomlin: George Pickens' career lows were part of Steelers' plan in Cowboys loss | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained the decision to reduce wide receiver George Pickens' role during the team's 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

“We just wanted to minimize his reps to increase productivity,” Tomlin told reporters, via Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. “We’re just trying to represent the whole of the big picture. He was no less central to our intentions of what we wanted to do offensively.”

Pickens was on the field for just 34 of 58 possible snaps against Dallas, the third-highest mark among Steelers receivers.

“It’s no different than if we minimize some snaps from D-linemen like Cam Heyward,” Tomlin said, according to Farabaugh. “It’s all about quick management. To be completely honest, there is no underlying story.”

Despite the limited snap count, Pickens was still targeted a team-best seven times. He recorded three catches for 26 yards.

He was on the field less than Steelers receivers Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin, who combined for just 32 yards.

Pickens was called out after the game by Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis for his quiet night.

The former second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft was on the field for 76 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps as a rookie and 87 percent of the Steelers' snaps in his second season (via Pro Football Reference). However, he was already back to 76 percent of the team's snaps in 2024 entering Sunday's contest.

However, that hasn't stopped him from remaining effective, as he's racked up 310 yards in his first five appearances this season. It's also worth noting that Pittsburgh has a new offensive coordinator in 2024, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.

This isn't the first time Pickens' role in the Steelers' offense has raised eyebrows, as Tomlin met with the wide receiver toward the end of the 2023 season to discuss the topic.

After starting the year with a 3-0 record, Pittsburgh has lost two straight games. Pickens and the Steelers will both look to get back on track in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.