According to Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, he recently got together with new quarterback Russell Wilson in San Diego for throwing drills. Also in attendance were Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, who signed with the Steelers a few weeks ago. Interestingly enough, wideout George Pickens reportedly skipped out on participating with the group. Although a reason hasn't been revealed, it's something to monitor ahead of offseason workouts and moving toward training camp. However, with Wilson looking to bounce back from an unproductive year, not having his No. 1 wideout join him for voluntary drills isn't ideal. It also isn't a good look for Pickens, who fell below expectations throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught five of his 11 targets for 50 yards and picked up 15 rushing yards on his lone carry of a wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pickens came down with a few impressive grabs in the contest but also made a costly mistake when he lost a fumble on Pittsburgh's third offensive possession. Buffalo had already held a 7-0 lead and quickly went up by two touchdowns following the fumble recovery. The 22-year-old managed to bounce back and operated as a go-to guy for Mason Rudolph down the stretch. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play all season, Pickens turned in an incredibly productive campaign and will look to further establish himself as one of the league's most exciting young receivers next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens ended the regular season as the fantasy WR26 in half-PPR scoring and will hope to make an impact in his NFL postseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. Pickens did not receive a target in last week's win over the Ravens as both teams battled through rainy conditions. Unfortunately, he'll need to try and overcome the elements once again to bounce back on Sunday. Heavy snow and vicious winds are expected in Buffalo, which could greatly reduce Pittsburgh's chances of success through the air. Because Pickens primarily operates as a downfield threat, volume is not guaranteed in this matchup. The 22-year-old should be viewed as a boom-or-bust WR2 option this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens gained three yards on his lone rush attempt of a Week 18 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. The second-year pro, who had emerged as the favorite weapon of quarterback Mason Rudolph over the past two weeks, was surprisingly not targeted in the contest. While this sudden disappearance could not have been predicted, it shouldn't come as a complete shock that Pickens failed to make an impact on Saturday. The 22-year-old primarily operates as a downfield threat and many of the Steelers' plays developed close to the line of scrimmage due to the sloppy weather conditions in Baltimore. Pickens can only hope for another opportunity to shine in the playoffs with Pittsburgh's postseason fate currently undetermined.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has scored as a top-12 fantasy option in each of his past two games and will hope to find continued success against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Baltimore's defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this season, but has been vulnerable to receivers recently and is expected to rest many of its starters on Saturday. Pickens has proven to be the favorite target of Mason Rudolph, who will get the start for a third consecutive week. With Pittsburgh battling for a spot in the playoffs, Pickens should be heavily utilized and viewed as a high-upside WR2 for fantasy managers.
George Pickens Tops 100 Yards For Second Straight Week
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in seven of his nine targets for 131 yards in a Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. For a second consecutive week, Pickens operated as the number-one option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. The impressive 22-year-old made multiple highlight-reel grabs, including a 34-yard reception in the fourth quarter that he managed to secure with his fingertips while falling to the ground. If Rudolph remains the starter in Week 18, Pickens should see enough volume to carry high-end WR3 value against a stout Baltimore Ravens defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is fresh off a massive performance and will be carrying positive momentum into a Week 17 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. Although last week's victory was the first contest in which Pickens played with Mason Rudolph starting at quarterback, the duo displayed plenty of chemistry, connecting for 195 yards and two scores. The 22-year-old wideout should continue to operate as a downfield threat against a Seahawks defense that has given up the 12th-most fantasy points and eighth-most touchdowns to receivers this season. With Rudolph drawing another start, fantasy managers in need of upside can roll with Pickens as a high-end WR3 or flex option on Sunday.
George Pickens Responds To Criticism With Monster Performance
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens secured four of his six targets for 195 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 22-year-old received criticism throughout the week for a lack of effort in recent contests and responded with the best showing of his young career. With Mason Rudolph at quarterback, Pickens thrived down the field as the two connected on deep balls of 44 and 66 yards. He also took a short pass 86 yards to the house to give Pittsburgh its first of four touchdowns in the win. Although Kenny Pickett (ankle) may return next week, fantasy managers should hope that Rudolph gets the nod in an incredibly enticing matchup for Pickens against the Seattle Seahawks.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been very underwhelming for fantasy purposes over the second half of the season but will look to get back on track against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. The Bengals have been vulnerable to receiver production in 2023, but Pickens managed just three receptions for 58 yards in a meeting with Cincinnati four weeks ago. In addition, Pickens has never played in a full game with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who will be starting for the Steelers on Saturday. Fantasy managers cannot possibly have confidence in the second-year wideout this week and should avoid starting him if possible.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in three of his seven targets for 47 yards in a Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Although Pickens earned the most looks from quarterback Mitch Trubisky, it was Diontae Johnson who found the end zone en route to a productive fantasy showing. Trubisky was benched for Mason Rudolph late in Saturday's loss, which could indicate a change under center next week. Kenny Pickett (ankle) is also pushing to return against the Cincinnati Bengals, which would be the best possible scenario for Pickens' fantasy outlook. Given how ineffective Pittsburgh has been offensively, though, it will be difficult to trust Pickens in the fantasy playoffs going forward.
