George Pickens Injury News & Updates

Pickens recorded nine catches on 11 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 33-16 win over the Raiders.

Pickens was sidelined for the opening possession of Monday's win for disciplinary reasons, per Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com, though that didn't slow him down. He had a determined effort thereafter, showcasing his athleticism and tackle-breaking ability with long catches of 37, 21, 19 and 17 yards -- the longest of which went for a touchdown. This marked Pickens' third 100-yard effort of the season, and he now has at least 75 receiving yards in five consecutive contests.

Pickens secured six of nine targets for 79 yards in the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Cardinals on Monday night. He also committed two fumbles, but both were recovered by Dallas.

Pickens had a shaky night in terms of ball security, but he made up for it by recovering one of his fumbles and also finishing second across the board to CeeDee Lamb in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Pickens has proven an excellent fit in the Cowboys' air attack over the first half of his debut campaign in Dallas, as he'll head into the Week 10 bye with four straight tallies of 78 receiving yards or more and a 49-764-6 receiving line overall.

Pickens caught seven of nine targets for 78 yards in Sunday's 44-24 loss to the Broncos.

Pickens delivered a nearly identical stat line to CeeDee Lamb, as the former had one fewer target but four more yards. After a five-game, six-touchdown streak, Pickens has now gone consecutive games without scoring. He'll try to end that drought in a Week 9 home game against the Cardinals while continuing to work as a key cog in a high-powered Dallas offense.

Pickens finished with four receptions on six targets for 82 yards in Sunday's 44-22 win over Washington.

The Cowboys' No. 1 wideout CeeDee Lamb (ankle) made a successful return following a three-week layoff Sunday, producing a 5-110-1 receiving line in a blowout victory. That didn't cause Pickens to cool off, but it may have played a role in the talented No. 2 receiver's scoring streak ending at five games. Pickens' six targets Sunday were closer to the 7.2 he averaged in the three games Lamb was active for, as opposed to the 8.7 targets he received filling in as Dallas' No. 1 option. Look for both talented starters to be featured in a tough road matchup against the Broncos next Sunday.

Pickens recorded nine receptions on 11 targets for 168 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Panthers.

Pickens accounted for all three of Dallas' longest plays from scrimmage, recording catches of 45, 34 and 31 yards. That production came in a variety of ways, as he served in his more traditional deep-threat role but also showcased his athleticism with hurdles and jukes to elude defenders. Pickens' touchdown came on a slant route over the middle of the field, and he out-raced defenders for a 34-yard score. He has at least one touchdown in five straight games and now has over 100 receiving yards in consecutive games, stepping up very well in the absence of CeeDee Lamb (ankle).

Pickens caught two of four targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-22 win over the Jets.

The game was more lopsided than the final score might suggest -- Dallas took a 30-6 lead into the fourth quarter -- and Pickens wasn't needed for much volume as a result. He made his few looks count however, burning Sauce Gardner for a 43-yard TD in the third quarter. Since CeeDee Lamb (ankle) got hurt early in Week 3, Pickens has erupted for a 15-259-4 line on 24 targets as Dak Prescott's most dangerous downfield threat. Whether he's able to continue that hot steak in Week 6 against the Panthers may depend largely on Lamb's health.

Pickens finished with eight receptions on 11 targets for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's 40-40 tie against the Packers.

Pickens finally got to experience a true breakout performance as a member of the Cowboys, generating his first 100-plus yard and multi-touchdown performance since joining the club this past offseason. The 24-year-old did his best CeeDee Lamb impersonation in the first game of his teammate's expected multi-week absence, leading Dallas in targets, receptions and overall receiving production in the thrilling draw. Expect Pickens to continue garnering the lion's share of Dak Prescott's targets as the Cowboys prepare to face the Jets next Sunday.

Pickens recorded five receptions on nine targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-14 loss to the Bears.

Pickens looked to be in for a very big performance after the departure of CeeDee Lamb (ankle), as he tallied a long catch of 21 yards and recorded a two-yard touchdown on a drive early in the second quarter. However, Pickens disappeared in the second half, with his only catch coming on a target from Joe Milton after the game was out of reach with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Though Pickens padded his line in garbage time, he has exactly 68 yards with a touchdown in each of his last two games.

Pickens caught five of nine targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 40-37 overtime win over the Giants.

While he took a back seat to CeeDee Lamb (9-112-0 on targets) and tight end Jake Ferguson (9-78-0 on 12 targets) in terms of volume, Pickens came up big for the Cowboys with a six-yard TD grab from Dak Prescott with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter that gave the team a 34-30 lead -- and which proved to be only the fourth-last score of the afternoon in a wild back-and-forth affair. It was Pickens' first trip to the end zone for Dallas after a fairly quiet debut, but he could be headed for even bigger numbers in Week 3 against a Bears secondary that just got lit up for four receiving touchdowns by the Lions' top WR duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Pickens brought in three of four targets for 30 yards in the Cowboys' 24-20 loss to the Eagles on Thursday night.

The big-name offseason addition didn't see Dak Prescott look his way anywhere near as much as CeeDee Lamb, but Pickens made some solid contributions in the narrow loss. The talented receiver made his first regular-season catch as a Cowboy on a six-yard grab during Dallas' opening drive, and he'd go on to draw a 34-yard pass interference penalty on Quinyon Mitchell before the quarter was over. Pickens also had a key 15-yard grab on third down with just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but he was guilty of an unnecessary roughness penalty deep in Eagles territory in the third quarter on a drive that culminated in a Miles Sanders fumble. Pickens is naturally expected to settle into the Cowboys' air attack the more he plays, and a Week 2 home matchup against the Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14 could represent an opportunity for his first breakout performance.

Pickens hauled in a deep sideline throw against tight coverage from DaRon Bland in practice Tuesday, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports.

The former Steeler had trouble connected with Dak Prescott on routes down the field earlier in training camp, but the duo's chemistry has developed nicely since then. With CeeDee Lamb drawing plenty of defensive attention as Prescott's primary option, Pickens could see regular single coverage as secondaries are forced to pick their poison, and he has the physical tools to beat any cornerback trying to contain him. After posting career-best numbers in 2023 with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns while mainly working with Kenny Pickett as his QB, Pickens could be primed for an even better campaign in his first season with the Cowboys.

Pickens hasn't quite been on the same page as quarterback Dak Prescott on deeper routes during the early part of training camp, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The duo has looked good on short or intermediate routes, but the timing hasn't quite been there further downfield. "I think that's all to come," Prescott said after Thursday's practice. "I don't think that's necessarily something we've got to grow into... For [Pickens], it's just about continuing to master the offense, the routes and the adjustments on certain routes. When he does that, the rest of it is going to come." With CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson as established targets for Prescott nearer the line of scrimmage, Pickens' best chance to make a big impact in the Dallas offense will come as a deep threat, something he's shown he can provide in the past -- the 24-year-old wideout led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 for a Steelers team that featured the uninspiring trio of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky under center.

The Steelers are trading Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.

The Cowboys' twitter account confirmed earlier reports of a trade, giving the team a huge upgrade at the No. 2 WR spot alongside superstar CeeDee Lamb. Fellow Dallas wideouts Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin drop down the depth chart, while Pittsburgh is left with Calvin Austin, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson as potential starters alongside March trade acquisition DK Metcalf. The trade is excellent news for Pickens' fantasy value, pairing him with QB Dak Prescott under new Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer in an offense that likely will throw the ball more often than the Steelers will. The 24-year-old Pickens topped 800 yards in each of his first three seasons, including a career-high 1,140 in 2023, but he's never gone higher than 106 targets, 63 catches or five touchdowns in a single campaign.

The Steelers are reportedly finalizing a trade to send Pickens to the Cowboys, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, the deal -- which is expected to be completed Wednesday -- would result in the Cowboys sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round choice to the Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round pick. With Dallas, the 24-year-old Pickens, who is coming off a 2024 regular season in which he recorded 59 catches (on 103 targets) for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games, would provide QB Dak Prescott with another quality wideout target to work alongside CeeDee Lamb, who caught 101 passes in 15 contests last season.

The Steelers have received calls inquiring about trading for Pickens leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports.

Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal with Pittsburgh and the team spent a second-round pick to acquire fellow big-play-specialist DK Metcalf earlier this offseason. The Steelers then signed Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million contract, a move which has resulted in questions about Pickens' long-term future with the team. While Pittsburgh reportedly aren't directly shopping the 24-year-old, he figures to have a strong market for teams in need of a No. 1 or talented No. 2 option at wideout, especially if there remains belief around the league that his production upside remains untapped. Quarterback play has doubtless limited Pickens across his first three seasons in the league, and the Steelers' starter under center for 2025 still remains undetermined.

Pickens is entering a contract year and may "hold in" if he doesn't have an extension before summer, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo reports.

Pickens will turn 24 in March, after topping 800 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He hasn't quite reached the elite at his position, but his ability to make difficult, contested catches downfield is second to none, and there's no doubt his production has been negatively impacted by poor quarterback play in Pittsburgh. It's unclear if the QB situation will improve in 2025, potentially adding an extra element of frustration/contention to contract negotiations, which may already be difficult in light of Pickens' reputation for mercurial behavior and the gap between his production and his perceived talent/skill. The current CBA essentially eliminates holdouts, but if Pickens is unhappy this summer he could opt for a hold in, whereby he'd show up to the team facility but wouldn't practice.

Pickens recorded five receptions on five targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 28-14 loss to the Ravens.

Pickens was coming off a poor close to the regular season, though he keyed the slight offensive resurgence the Steelers showed in the second half of their playoff loss. That began with an impressive 36-yard touchdown catch, during which Pickens spun to split two defenders along the sideline. He also chipped in an acrobatic 26-yard leaping reception on an underthrown ball from Russell Wilson midway through the fourth quarter. Pickens will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, making him a potential extension candidate this offseason. Regardless of whether a deal gets done, he should be set to lead the Pittsburgh receiving corps once again next season.

Pickens recorded one catch on six targets for zero yards in Saturday's 19-17 loss to the Bengals.

Pickens was uninvolved for much of the first half as Russell Wilson took to the air only eight times. However, even with more extensive looks in the final two quarters, Pickens failed to deliver. He had three drops and was also not on the same page with Wilson late in the fourth quarter when he was streaking down the right sideline after beating his defender to set up a potential game-winning field goal or touchdown. Pickens will remain a focal point of the Pittsburgh offense in the postseason, but both he and the entire unit had a lackluster effort in Saturday's loss.

Pickens caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in Wednesday's 29-10 loss to Kansas City.

Russell Wilson was under constant pressure and didn't have much time to wait for deep routes to develop, but he did hit Pickens for a 41-yard gain late in the first quarter. The third-year wideout had missed the prior three games with a hamstring strain, but he appeared fully healthy Wednesday. Pickens needs exactly 100 yards to reach 1,000 on the season, a mark he'll take aim at in Week 18 against the Bengals.

Pickens (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Tuesday and does not have an injury designation for Wednesday's matchup against Kansas City, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pickens sat out each of Pittsburgh's past three games due to a hamstring injury, but he showed significant improvement in practice this week, as he was deemed a full participant in Monday's walkthrough before participating in full in Tuesday's standard practice session. As such, the star wideout is set to return for Wednesday's big Christmas Day matchup against the Chiefs. Pickens is 150 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark on the campaign and should immediately resume his role as Pittsburgh's biggest offensive weapon in the passing game, while Calvin Austin will return to working as the team's No. 2 wideout after tallying 65 receiving yards each of the past two games in Pickens' absence.

Pickens (hamstring) was estimated as a full participant in a walkthrough practice Monday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pickens stated earlier Monday that he hasn't yet been cleared to return to action Wednesday against Kansas City, but his full participation in practice Monday suggests that he's certainly leaning toward that outcome. The star wideout has missed each of Pittsburgh's past three games while dealing with a hamstring issue. If he's able to return Christmas Day, it would be a big boost to the Steelers' passing game and could result in less looks for Calvin Austin.

Pickens (hamstring) said Monday "I feel good" but that he hasn't yet been cleared to play Wednesday versus Kansas City, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pickens has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering hamstring injury, but he resumed handling individual drills Monday, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com reports. The standout wide receiver was listed as limited on Sunday's estimated practice report, in which coach Mike Tomlin said he has a "real chance" to return Week 17. Tuesday's final practice report figures to be pivotal in determining Pickens' status for Week 17.

Pickens (hamstring) was listed as limited on Sunday's practice estimate, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

The Steelers faced the Ravens on Saturday, so while the team didn't actually practice Sunday, Pickens' limited listing is notable nonetheless, considering he didn't practice leading up to Week 16 action. The wideout has missed the Steelers' last three games, but head coach Mike Tomlin noted earlier Sunday that Pickens is among the team's injured players who has a "real chance" to play against the Chiefs on Wednesday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Sunday that Pickens (hamstring) has a "real chance" to play against the Chiefs on Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.

Pickens, who sustained a hamstring injury prior to Week 14 action, has missed the Steelers' last three games, but it looks like he could be trending in the right direction as Wednesday's contest approaches. In any case, added context regarding the wideout's Week 17 status is slated to arrive via the team's upcoming injury reports. Pickens was deemed a non-participant in all three practices leading up to Saturday's loss to the Ravens.

Pickens (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Ravens, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pickens, who was listed as a non-participant at practice Tuesday through Thursday, will target a potential return to action next Wednesday, when the Steelers face the Chiefs. With Pickens set to miss his third straight game, look for Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson to lead the team's wideout corps versus Baltimore, with Mike Williams, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek also mixing in.

Pickens (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

For the second consecutive day, Pickens did position drills on the side but went down as a non-participant on the official injury report. Pittsburgh's No. 1 wide receiver seems to be tracking toward a third consecutive absence Saturday against the Ravens, but Thursday's injury report will provide clarity on his chances of suiting up.

Pickens (hamstring) is doing some position drills Wednesday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pickens was also spotted Tuesday doing individual/position drills, but the Steelers then listed him as a non-participant after holding a walk-through practice. It's unclear at this point if he has a real shot to play Saturday against the Ravens, after being ruled out last Friday for an eventual loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Pickens (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's walk-through practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

While Pickens didn't take a step forward in his listed practice activity as the Steelers began Week 16 prep, the receiver seems to be making improvement in his recovery from the Grade 2 hamstring strain that has sidelined him the last two games. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Pickens was spotted taking part in individual drills off to the side during the portion of the walkthrough that was open to the media. Alan Sauders of SteelersNow.com adds that Pickens also took part in a ball-security drill with teammates, but the wideout will likely need to mix into more on-field drills as the week progresses in order for the Steelers to feel confident in his availability for Saturday's game in Baltimore.

Pickens (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pickens, who was inactive for this past Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns, will thus target a potential return to the lineup a week from Saturday, when the Steelers face the Ravens. In his continued absence, look for fellow wide receivers Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams and Scotty Miller to see added Week 15 opportunities.

Pickens (hamstring) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated Tuesday that there's an "outside chance" Pickens can play Sunday against the Eagles. The wideout has one more chance to practice in advance of the contest, but it's plausible that Pickens could be ruled out as soon as Friday. If he remains sidelined versus Philadelphia, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams and Scotty Miller would be in line to lead Pittsburgh's Week 15 WR corps.

Pickens (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday there's an "outside chance" that Pickens can play Sunday against the Eagles, but that doesn't seem likely after an MRI revealed a "little bit more significant" hamstring injury (reportedly a Grade 2 strain) for the wideout than initially thought. If Pickens remains sidelined this weekend, added Week 15 opportunities would be available for Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams and Scotty Miller.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that Pickens (hamstring) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game in Philadelphia, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports. "If you pressed me, I'd probably say he's out or could be categorized as 'doubtful,'" Tomlin said of Pickens' status.

Though Pickens was listed as questionable leading up to this past Sunday's game against the Browns, reports heading into the day suggested that the wideout was likely to play. However, a pregame workout apparently didn't go as well as anticipated, and Pickens ended up sitting out the Steelers' 27-14 victory. The Steelers aren't yet ruling Pickens out for Week 15, but he looks as though he'll face an uphill battle to improve enough in his recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain to give it a go this Sunday. Assuming Pickens remains out for a second straight game, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek could all benefit from expanded roles as the Steelers' available options at receiver, while tight end Pat Freiermuth (3-48-1 receiving line on three targets in Week 14) could see more involvement in the passing attack.

Pickens (hamstring) is not expected to be available for Sunday's road matchup against the Eagles, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pickens appears in line to miss a second consecutive contest due to what league sources informed Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com of on Monday is a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Steelers haven't yet officially disclosed the severity of Pickens' injury or his presumed status for Week 15, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the team take a cautious approach with its No. 1 wideout's recovery. Pittsburgh's divisional road matchup against Baltimore in Week 16 could, tentatively, be a better target date for Pickens to retake the field. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receivers Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller all will benefit from increased target opportunities as long as Pickens is unable to go.

Pickens (hamstring), who was inactive for Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns, is believed to be nursing a Grade 2 strain, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pickens popped up on Pittsburgh's injury report late in Week 14, after he was limited in Friday's practice. The final decision to hold him out versus Cleveland reportedly wasn't made until late Sunday morning, an indication that the Steelers had some hope the standout wide receiver could play through his hamstring issue. A Grade 2 strain, though, could tentatively also impede Pickens' availability Week 15 on the road against Philadelphia, if not for a longer stretch. As long as Pickens can't go, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller, as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth, will be called upon to handle expanded opportunities in the receiving game.

Pickens (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pickens -- who approached Sunday's contest listed as questionable -- was added to the Steelers' Week 14 injury report after being deemed limited at Friday's practice. Evidently, the wideout's pre-game warmups didn't go as hoped, and Pickens will target a possible return to action next weekend against the Eagles. In his absence, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller are available to handle Pittsburgh's wide receiver duties in Week 14.

Pickens, who is questionable for Sunday's Week 14 matchup against Cleveland, is likely to play but will need to test his hamstring in pregame warmups, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, the Steelers are taking the fact that Pickens hurt his hamstring late in the practice week as a consideration in having him test out the injury before the game. If he's able to prove that he's capable of suiting up, the third-year wideout will face Cleveland for the second time in three weeks. During Pittsburgh's first matchup against the Browns (in Week 12), Pickens was held to a modest four catches on seven targets for 48 yards.

Pickens was limited at Friday's practice due to a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pickens was a late addition to the Steelers' Week 14 practice report, placing a cloud over the availability of the team's No. 1 wide receiver. Since a Week 9 bye, he's accrued a 20-302-2 line on 32 targets over the last four games. Pickens' status won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Pickens recorded three receptions on six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 44-38 win over the Bengals.

As is often the case, Pickens' performance had plenty of ups and downs. He was involved in a pick-six early in the game when he fell to the ground on a target, only to cash in on a 17-yard touchdown on the Steelers' next drive. Pickens later chipped in long receptions of 36 and 19 yards but was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct on each. Setting aside the penalties, Pickens has been very productive in five games since Russell Wilson took over under center, averaging 81.1 yards per game while accounting for all three of his touchdowns on the season.

Pickens secured four of seven targets for 48 yards in the Steelers' 24-19 loss to the Browns on Thursday night.

Pickens set the pace for the Steelers in targets while sharing the team lead in receptions with Pat Freiermuth. The blizzard-like conditions certainly didn't help Pickens' cause and helped lead to his lowest yardage total since Week 5 against the Cowboys. Pickens did extend a streak of recording at least four catches to five games, and he'll draw a more favorable matchup on paper in a Week 13 road matchup against the Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Pickens caught eight of 12 targets for 89 yards in Sunday's 18-16 win over the Ravens.

The third-year wideout led Pittsburgh in catches, targets and receiving yards, and the volume was his highest in four games since Russell Wilson took over as the team's starting QB. Pickens has posted a 22-365-2 line on 33 targets over that stretch, putting him on track for a huge finish to the campaign. Pickens will look to keep rolling in Week 12 against the Browns.

Pickens recorded five receptions on seven targets for 91 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-27 win over the Commanders. He added one rush for four yards.

Pickens continued to show excellent rapport with Russell Wilson, as he now has 276 yards and two touchdowns across Wilson's three starts. His performance Sunday was highlighted by a 16-yard touchdown to conclude Pittsburgh's first offensive possession, and he also tacked on 34 and 24-yard receptions. Plagued by inconsistency to start the season, Pickens has turned into a reliable weekly contributor and that should be the case once again in Week 11 against the Ravens.

Pickens finished with four receptions on five targets for 74 yards in Monday's 26-18 win over the Giants.

Pickens had a potential touchdown reception overturned by replay in the first half, but he still finished as the team's leading receiver while posting his fourth highest receiving total through eight games. The 23-year-old has shown good rapport with new starting quarterback Russell Wilson, with the duo combining for a 9-185-1 stat line in two starts. Pickens' stock is trending in the right direction as Pittsburgh enters its bye, with the team resuming play against Washington on Nov. 10.

Pickens had five receptions (nine targets) for 111 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-15 win over the Jets.

Pickens produced his best fantasy score of the season in quarterback Russell Wilson's first start for Pittsburgh. The veteran quarterback brought the best out of his top wideout, which should have Pickens' fantasy managers ecstatic moving forward. The 23-year-old blossomed as a sophomore last season with a 63-1140-5 receiving line, but had gotten off to a slow start with mobile quarterback Justin Fields at the helm for the Steelers' first six games. Now that the more-accurate Wilson has taken the reigns of the offense, Pickens should see a boost in projections heading into next Monday's tilt against the Giants.

Pickens recorded three receptions on eight targets for 53 yards in Sunday's 32-13 win over the Raiders.

Pickens made headlines throughout the week due to perceived discontent over his role in the Pittsburgh offense, though opportunity wasn't an issue in Sunday's win. His eight targets were his second-highest mark of the season, though he did see some tough contested looks and also dropped a potential touchdown late in the game. Pickens has yet to find the end zone and has topped 100 yards only once in six chances, making him a fantasy disappointment through the first six games of the campaign.

Pickens said Thursday that it was offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's decision to restrict his snaps during Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas, NFL.com's Nick Shook reports.

Pickens still was consistently on the field for three-wide formations, but he took just one of 20 snaps (5 percent) in 12 personnel, after getting 79 percent of those snaps Weeks 1-4. Smith curiously used 162-pound Calvin Austin and 174-pound Scotty Miller as the 12 personnel wideouts alongside Van Jefferson, which suggests Pickens' lack of playing time may have been related to effort or fatigue avoidance rather than his actual ability as a blocker. Pickens ran half-hearted routes a few times during Sunday's loss, fueling speculation that the Steelers are displeased with his effort and body language. The team may have a point, but what they don't have is another legitimate receiving threat out wide. Pickens saw a team-high seven targets Sunday night even with the reduced playing time, and coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that he thought minimizing the wideout's reps might actually help his productivity. None of this is ideal for fantasy managers, but Pickens is still a clear favorite to lead his team in

Pickens caught three of seven targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Pickens accounted for the only first-half catch by a Steelers wide receiver, as Justin Fields completed only four of nine pass attempts before halftime. Fields was better in the second half, but Pickens remained a near non-factor despite finishing with the team lead in targets. Pickens' yardage totals have fluctuated, but he has yet to score a touchdown heading into a Week 6 road game against the Raiders.

Pickens recorded seven receptions on 11 targets for 113 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts.

Pickens had a disastrous first half that was defined by a lost fumble near the end zone that cost the Steelers points. However, as Pittsburgh attempted to make a frantic comeback in the final two quarters, Pickens showcased his big-play ability with a pair of catches that went for 38 and 37 yards, respectively -- both of which helped set up touchdowns. The only thing missing from the performance was a touchdown, but Pickens dominated targets and illustrated his upside when the team was forced to take to the air more aggressively.

Pickens caught five of seven targets for 57 yards in Sunday's 20-10 win over the Chargers.

After picking up 85 receiving yards in the season opener, Pickens has just 86 across two subsequent games. No other Pittsburgh player has more than 108 receiving yards this season, so Pickens' middling production is the result of Justin Fields struggling as a passer rather than Pickens being outperformed by an alternative option. Given that context, Pickens would stand to benefit if Russell Wilson (calf) gains clearance to make his season debut and reclaims the starting quarterback job Week 4 against the Colts, but Fields is likely to remain under center after leading the Steelers to a 3-0 start.

Pickens recorded two receptions on four targets for 29 yards in Sunday's 13-6 win over Denver.

The Steelers took an early lead and were content to rely on their defense and ground game to come away with a win. That, combined with a tough matchup against Patrick Surtain, limited Pickens' opportunity and production Sunday. Pittsburgh is likely to employ a similar gameplan against the Chargers -- another conservative offensive team -- in Week 3, which could lead to a quiet performance from Pickens.

Pickens recorded six receptions on seven targets for 85 yards in Sunday's 18-10 win over the Falcons.

The Steelers were extremely run-heavy with Justin Fields under center, as they recorded 41 rushes as a team as compared to just 23 pass attempts. That limited volume for most pass catchers, with Pickens being the only exception. He did the majority of his damage on two long receptions that went for 40 and 33 yards. Pickens' big-play ability will help him put up big production on limited volume in the Pittsburgh offense, but he's still likely to be inconsistent as the season progresses.

Pickens recorded two catches on two targets for 26 yards in Saturday's 24-17 preseason loss to the Lions.

Pickens appeared in one drive with Russell Wilson under center and was targeted twice. The latter was an explosive catch as he ran deep across the middle of the field for a 32-yard gain. Pickens is unquestionably the top pass catcher in Pittsburgh and should be set to receive a large number of targets, barring a late addition to the wide receiver corps.

Pickens recorded one reception on two targets for four yards in Saturday's 9-3 preseason loss to the Bills.

Pickens played with Russell Wilson in Saturday's game after catching passes from Justin Fields in Pittsburgh's first preseason contest. He had a quiet stat line, though the offensive line struggled and failed to give Wilson consistent time to throw. Pickens also narrowly missed out on a highlight reel catch on his final drive, as he was ruled to have not tapped down his second toe as he was falling out of bounds.

Pickens caught both of his targets for 25 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Pittsburgh's starters played only one quarter, but Pickens showed a nice rapport with Justin Fields, who started at quarterback with Russell Wilson getting the night off. Regardless of who is under center for the Steelers come Week 1, Pickens is primed to lead Pittsburgh's receiving corps. The Steelers have two more preseason games left before then, including next Saturday's game versus the Bills.

Pickens secured five of 11 targets for 50 yards and rushed once for 15 yards in the Steelers' 31-17 wild-card loss to the Bills on Monday afternoon. He also lost a fumble.

Pickens had serviceable numbers overall and co-led the Steelers in receptions while setting the pace in targets. However, it was largely a frustrating afternoon, beginning with a fumble on the Steelers' 29-yard in the latter portion of the first quarter that was eventually confirmed via replay, and that led to a touchdown on Buffalo's first play after gaining possession. Pickens was also the intended receiver on Mason Rudolph's fourth-down pass with 4:53 remaining that ended in an incompletion but also included what appeared to be a missed pass interference call that would have given the Steelers new life via a first down. Pickens finished the regular season with an impressive 63-1,140-5 line across 17 games despite sub-par quarterback play, so he could be in for an even bigger season in 2024 if there is more stability under center.

Pickens wasn't targeted and rushed once for three yards during the Steelers' 17-10 win over Baltimore on Saturday.

Pickens had the two highest receiving yardage totals of his career in his last two appearances by securing 11 of 15 targets for 326 yards. Although Mason Rudolph remained under center for Saturday's regular-season finale, Pickens didn't draw any targets. He improved across the board during his second professional season, securing 63 of 106 targets for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns while rushing three times for 18 yards. While his production was somewhat inconsistent, he should be one of Pittsburgh's top options in the passing game during Sunday's wild-card matchup against Buffalo.

Pickens recorded seven receptions on nine targets for 131 yards in Sunday's 30-23 win over the Seahawks.

Pickens continued to show rapport with Mason Rudolph, topping 100 receiving yards for the second consecutive game. That production came primarily on a trio of long gains of 37, 34 and 24 yards, though Pickens has also been his target volume tick back up in recent weeks as he's seen at least six opportunities in four straight contests. That bodes well for his potential to produce again in a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Ravens.

Pickens caught four of six targets for 195 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 34-11 win over the Bengals.

After a tumultuous week in which Pickens' effort in recent games was called into question, the second-year wideout rewarded coach Mike Tomlin's decision to keep him in the lineup by taking a slant to the house for a career-long 86-yard touchdown on Pittsburgh's second offensive play. Pickens added a spectacular 44-yard catch along the sideline in the two-minute drill to set up a 50-yard Chris Boswell field goal, which gave the Steelers a 24-0 lead heading into halftime. He got free for another long touchdown in the third quarter, this time hauling in a deep ball for a 66-yard score. This was the best game of Pickens' young career, as he set a new career high in receiving yards while scoring multiple touchdowns for the first time. He's up to 1,009 receiving yards and five touchdowns heading into a Week 17 road game in Seattle.

Pickens recorded three receptions on seven targets for 47 yards in Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Colts.

Pickens got off to a decent start, as he managed a pair of 15-yard receptions on the Steelers' second offensive possession. Despite leading the team in targets, he managed only one additional reception from there and was held under 50 receiving yards for the second consecutive game -- both of which Kenny Pickett (ankle) has missed in full. Pittsburgh is contemplating a change at quarterback for a Week 16 matchup against the Bengals, and if Mason Rudolph takes over under center, that could be positive news for Pickens.

Pickens secured five of six targets for 19 yards in the Steelers' 21-18 loss to the Patriots on Thursday night.

The talented second-year wideout struggled yet again to make an impact, although Mitchell Trubisky's lackluster play certainly played a large part in Pickens' struggles. Pickens' catch total was a team high on the night, but his 3.8 yards per reception made it a completely unproductive night outside of those deploying him in season-long or daily full-PPR formats. Pickens does have at least four receptions in three of the past four games, and he'll aim to take advantage of a more vulnerable Colts secondary in a Week 15 road matchup.

Pickens recorded four receptions on five targets for 86 yards in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Cardinals.

Pickens opened the game in exceptional fashion, racking up 51 yards between two catches within the first three plays from scrimmage. He slowed down considerably from there, in part due to the absence of Kenny Pickett (ankle) and also because of rainy conditions. Positively, it was still Pickens' most productive performance since a Week 7 win over the Rams and marked only the second time he's topped 50 yards in six games since.

Pickens secured three of five targets for 58 yards during the Steelers' 16-10 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

The Steelers' offense looked much more effective this week after offensive coordinator Matt Canada was fired ahead of Week 12, and Pickens had his best game since tallying 107 receiving yards against the Rams in Week 7. Pickens could still show some inconsistency as the season progresses, but it appears likely that he'll have more upside with a new offensive play-caller in Pittsburgh.

Pickens (shin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pickens was sidelined for the Steelers' first Week 12 practice Wednesday due to the shin issue, but he erased any lingering concern about his health by advancing to limited activity Thursday and then full participation Friday. The second-year wideout has played at least 85 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in each of his first 10 appearances of the season, and he should comfortably clear that threshold once again Sunday since he's not carrying a designation into the contest.

Pickens (shin) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

After being deemed a non-participant in Wednesday's session, Pickens' limited listing a day later has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals. If the wideout is able to upgrade to full participation Friday he'll have a chance to head into the weekend minus a Week 12 injury designation.

Pickens (shin) didn't practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

This is a new injury for Pickens, who will have two more opportunities to practice before Sunday's road game against the Bengals. If the second-year wide receiver suits up, he'll be playing in a Pittsburgh offense coached by former running backs coach Eddie Faulkner after the team parted ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday.

Pickens secured four of six targets for 38 yards while rushing once for minus-one yard during the Steelers' 13-10 loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Pickens led the Steelers in receptions and receiving yards during Sunday's matchup but was unable to generate much fantasy production in the low-scoring matchup. He's been a somewhat inconsistent contributor since Pittsburgh's Week 6 bye, securing 15 of 28 targets for 211 yards and a touchdown over the past five matchups.

Pickens caught three of four targets for 45 yards in Sunday's 23-19 win over the Packers.

Pickens led Pittsburgh in all major receiving categories, which evidenced the team's struggles in the passing game Sunday, when quarterback Kenny Pickett managed just 126 yards. With 205 yards on the ground, however, the Steelers didn't need Pickens to have a big day to secure another close victory. The wideout will now turn his attention toward Week 11's meeting with the Browns, who he posted 127 yards and a touchdown against earlier this season.

Pickens secured two of five targets for minus-one yard during the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday.

Pickens topped 100 yards in the Steelers' matchups immediately before and after their Week 6 bye, but he's been held in check over two games since then. The 22-year-old nearly salvaged his fantasy results with a touchdown catch in the second half, but he failed to get both feet down in bounds upon further review. Pickens has been targeted at least five times in every appearance this season, but his output has been more inconsistent now that Diontae Johnson is back in action.

Pickens secured one of five targets for 22 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 20-10 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.

Although Diontae Johnson was targeted 14 times during Sunday's matchup, Pickens was the lone Steelers receiver to reach the end zone in the defeat. Despite his touchdown, Pickens logged season-low marks in targets, receptions and yards. The 2022 second-rounder has had the ability to provide a spark for Pittsburgh's lackluster offense this year, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him display some inconsistency now that Johnson is healthy.

Pickens secured five of eight targets for 107 yards in the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Rams on Sunday.

Pickens tied for the team lead in receptions and set the pace in receiving yards and targets in the upset road victory. The second-year wideout made several impressive grabs along the way, including a 31-yarder that served as the Steelers' second longest of the day and helped fuel Pittsburgh's second-half surge. Pickens has now cleared the 100-yard mark in consecutive games for the first time in his career, giving him plenty of momentum going into a Week 8 home matchup against the Jaguars.

Pickens recorded six receptions on 10 targets for 120 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Ravens.

Pickens beat Marlon Humphrey down the right sideline for a 41-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to record the game-winning score. He also added three additional receptions of more than 20 yards to top the century mark for the second time this season. While Pickens' production has been inconsistent, he has at least seven targets in four of five games on the campaign. However, it's possible he will see his opportunity fall after the team returns from a bye in Week 7 against the Rams, as Dionate Johnson (hamstring) will be eligible to return from injured reserve.

Pickens caught three of seven targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Texans.

He led the Steelers in targets but did little with them, as the team's passing game struggled even before Kenny Pickett (knee) was sidelined. Pickens has been Pittsburgh's top wideout with Diontae Johnson (hamstring) on IR, but if Mitch Trubisky is forced to start at quarterback in Week 5 against the Ravens, there may not be much production to go around through the air.

Pickens hauled in four of his six targets for 75 yards in Sunday's 23-18 win over the Raiders.

Pickens was unable to recreate his highlight-reel score from last week's victory, that honor went to teammate Calvin Austin III who caught a 72-yard touchdown against Las Vegas. Pickens still provided managers with a solid fantasy line while finishing as Pittsburgh's leading receiver Sunday. The 22-year-old should continue to see as many targets as he can handle while Diontae Johnson (hamstring) mends on injured reserve, making Pickens a strong play against Houston next Sunday.

Pickens turned 10 targets into four catches, 127 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 26-22 win over the Browns.

Pickens bounced back from a quiet Week 1 to record his first 100-yard receiving game as well as his first touchdown of the 2023 season. Most of the damage was done on a 71-yard connection between he and quarterback Kenny Pickett late in the second quarter. Outside of the poor catch rate (40 percent), Pickens proved he can be the Steelers' top option after Diontae Johnson (hamstring) was placed on IR this week. He will be aiming for similar results against a less-than intimidating Raiders secondary Sunday.

Pickens secured five of seven targets for 36 yards during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to San Francisco on Sunday.

Even though Diontae Johnson (hamstring) was unavailable in the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup, Pickens was unable to generate a stellar stat line in the blowout loss. However, the 2022 second-rounder had an impressive sideline catch in the end zone in which he was narrowly out of bounds. Despite his lackluster performance overall, Pickens still ranked second on the team in targets and should serve as one of the Steelers' top pass-catching options if Johnson is forced to miss additional time.

Pickens was targeted once and caught the pass for a 35-yard gain in Thursday's exhibition with Atlanta.

Pickens jumped over a defender for the long gain, showcasing a talent that was often on display during his rookie year. He was targeted once in each of Pittsburgh's three preseason games, accounting for three of the 15 targets (20 percent) from Kenny Pickett, and and caught all three passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Pickens will open his second-year-breakout bid with a Week 1 home game against the 49ers.

Pickens recorded one reception on one target for eight yards in Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.

Pickens was targeted on Kenny Pickett's first attempt of the game. He worked solely with the first-team offense, which ran only seven plays on the day. It's unclear whether Pickens will see the field in the third week of preseason action, but he appears to have a solid grasp of the second receiver role in Pittsburgh heading into the regular season.

Pickens caught his lone target for a 33-yard touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Buccaneers.

Pickens took a short pass from Kenny Pickett and cut across the field before shaking multiple Tampa defenders en route to the end zone. With a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and tremendous athleticism, it is easy to see the excitement surrounding Pickens' fantasy potential, especially if his quarterback takes a step forward in his second year as a pro. Pickens and veteran Diontae Johnson are the clear starting duo in Pittsburgh, so we could see another brief appearance from the starters when the Steelers take on the Bills on Aug. 18.

Pickens recorded three receptions on six targets for 72 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-14 win over the Browns.

Pickens made the most of his six targets, tallying receptions of 31, 24 and 17 yards. He tallied his fourth touchdown of the season on the longest of those gains, and three of those scores came in his last eight games. Pickens closes his rookie campaign with 52 receptions for 801 yards, and he may be in line to take over as Pittsburgh's top pass catcher in 2023.

Pickens was held to two catches (four targets) for 29 yards in Sunday's 16-13 win over Baltimore.

The Steelers continue to commit to a run-heavy gameplan on their recent run of success, resulting in no receiver netting over 36 receiving yards Sunday. Pickens possesses the talent to produce big fantasy totals despite the occasional dud, and he has developed a strong rapport with fellow rookie Kenny Pickett. The young quarterback-receiver duo will look for improved results in Pittsburgh's final attempt to sneak in the playoffs against Cleveland on Sunday.

Pickens recorded five catches on five targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 13-10 win over the Raiders.

Pickens was only the fourth-most targeted pass catcher in Pittsburgh's offense, but he was impactful with his opportunity. He accounted for the Steelers' longest pass play of the game on a 25-yard catch early in the third quarter, and he also scored the team's only touchdown with only 50 seconds remaining in the game. Despite inconsistent production, Pickens continues to flash the ability to produce big plays. Positively, he's now topped 50 receiving yards in five of his last six games.

Pickens caught two of five targets for 53 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Panthers.

Pickens made another impressive contested catch during the first half, going for 38 yards on what was ultimately Pittsburgh's longest passing play of the game. The rookie only hauled in one other throw his way, but Pickens has still now topped 50 yards in four of his last five games.

Pickens recorded three receptions on three targets for 78 yards in Sunday's 16-14 loss to the Ravens.

Pickens was an afterthought in terms of targets, and he's now seen four or fewer looks in four of his last six games. However, he continued to show off his playmaking ability by recording receptions of 42 and 25 yards. While he has only one touchdown in that span, Pickens has five catches of 20 or more yards in his last four contests.

Pickens secured one of two targets for two yards during the Steelers' 19-16 win over Atlanta on Sunday.

Pickens had racked up at least 50 yards from scrimmage over his three appearances following Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye, but he was held in check during Sunday's narrow win over the Falcons. The rookie second-rounder has been more involved in the Steelers' offense after the team traded Chase Claypool to the Bears, and Pickens will have a chance to bounce back against a favorable Baltimore secondary in Week 14.

Pickens caught three of six targets for 57 yards and also scored a two-point conversion in Monday's 24-17 win over the Colts.

Pickens got open in the end zone late in the first half, but rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett overthrew him. The pair linked up for a two-point conversion in the fourth as Pittsburgh pulled ahead 24-17, so Pickens got a chance to celebrate in the end zone after all. Pickens led the team in receiving yards, topping 50 for the fifth time in his last eight games. He'll have a nice opportunity to build on this effort in Week 13 against the vulnerable Atlanta secondary.

Pickens caught four of six targets for 83 yards and a touchdown prior to being ejected in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 37-30 loss to the Bengals.

After finding the end zone on the ground in Pittsburgh's previous game, Pickens caught his second career receiving touchdown in this one, scoring from 24 yards out in the second quarter. He added a highlight catch along the sideline for a 33-yard gain early in the fourth quarter, but Pickens had a would-be long touchdown go through his hands with the Steelers down by two touchdowns later in the fourth. After Pittsburgh failed to recover an onside kick with 45 seconds left and no timeouts, Pickens made a late hit on Tyler Boyd that led to Pickens' disqualification. The rookie wide receiver is unlikely to face more than a fine as a result of the ejection, so he'll look to extend his touchdown streak on MNF against the Colts in Week 12.

Pickens secured three of four targets for 32 yards while rushing twice for 23 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 20-10 win over New Orleans on Sunday.

Pickens was held without any touches during Pittsburgh's Week 8 loss to the Eagles, but he reached the end zone for the second time this season as the Steelers returned from the bye week Sunday. The rookie second-rounder should have more opportunities to contribute down the stretch after Chase Claypool was dealt to the Bears ahead of the trade deadline.

Pickens failed to secure any of his three targets during the Steelers' 35-13 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Although Pickens was on the field for 86 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps Sunday, he was held without a reception for the first time in his career. The rookie second-rounder had several productive games over the last few weeks after Kenny Pickett was named the Steelers' starting quarterback, and George Pickens will face a more favorable defense against the Saints on Nov. 13 following Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye.

Pickens secured all six of his targets for 61 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 16-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Pickens was held to just 27 receiving yards during last week's win over Tampa Bay while catching passes from Mitch Trubisky for most of the second half, but the rookie receiver was much more productive in Week 7 with Kenny Pickett under center for the entire game. Pickens was responsible for the Steelers' longest play of the game Sunday with a 30-yard reception during the second quarter, and he made an impressive catch for a seven-yard touchdown late in the first half. The 21-year-old has now been targeted at least six times in each of the last five games.

Pickens secured three of six targets for 27 yards while rushing once for one yard during the Steelers' 20-18 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Pickens led the Steelers in receiving yards over the last two weeks, but the Buccaneers were more effective at holding him in check during Sunday's narrow victory. Most of the rookie second-rounder's strong performances have come with Kenny Pickett under center, and Pickett exited Sunday's matchup in the third quarter due to a concussion. It's not yet clear whether Pickett will be cleared to return in time for next Sunday's game in Miami, but it's possible that Pickens sees fewer looks if Mitch Trubisky is under center.

Pickens secured six of eight targets for 83 yards during the Steelers' 38-3 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Pickens led Pittsburgh in receiving yards during last week's loss to the Jets, and he replicated the feat in Week 5 with rookie Kenny Pickett starting under center. Pickens has had plenty of deep targets early in his NFL career, and he's been targeted at least seven times in each of the last three games after totaling just five targets over the first two weeks of the season. Across the last two games, the rookie second-rounder has secured 12 of 16 targets for 185 yards.

Pickens secured six of eight targets for 102 yards during the Steelers' 24-21 loss to the Jets on Sunday.

Pickens was held to 31 yards on two receptions in the first half of Sunday's matchup, but he had increased success after Kenny Pickett entered the game to begin the second half. Pickens had the team's longest reception for a third consecutive week and topped 100 yards for the first time in his career. The Steelers haven't yet indicated which quarterback will start next week against the Bills, but it's possible that Pickens remains more involved if Pickett serves as the team's starter under center.

Pickens secured three of seven targets for 39 yards during the Steelers' 29-17 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

Pickens totaled just five targets over the first two games of the regular season, but he drew more looks during Thursday's primetime matchup. Two of his receptions were within a few yards of the line of scrimmage, but he made an acrobatic 36-yard catch late in the first quarter that put the Steelers in the red zone. He was also called for an offside penalty on an onside kick late in the fourth quarter. The rookie second-rounder has had the team's longest reception in back-to-back weeks and has played 76 percent of the offensive snaps to begin the season, but his inconsistent target share has limited his fantasy output.

Pickens hauled in one of three targets for 23 yards during the Steelers' 17-14 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.

Pickens' playing time increased during Sunday's Week 2 matchup, as he played 85 percent of the team's offensive snaps after he was on the field for just 71 percent during last week's regular-season opener. He had the team's longest reception of the game against the Patriots with a 23-yard catch late in the second quarter, but that was the only reception he logged in Week 2. After generating plenty of buzz during the preseason, the rookie second-rounder has been limited to just two catches for 26 yards on six targets over his first two regular-season games in the NFL.

Pickens secured one of three targets for three yards during Monday's 23-20 overtime win over the Bengals.

Pickens drew plenty of praise from the Steelers' coaching staff during offseason activities and preseason play, but he was held in check during his first taste of regular-season action in the NFL. The rookie played 71 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps Sunday but seemed to be clearly behind Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool for targets in the season opener. Pickens demonstrated during preseason play that he certainly has the talent to compete at the professional level, but his limited target share during his regular-season debut was certainly discouraging.

Pickens caught three of five targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 19-9 preseason win over the Lions.

Pickens got to start Sunday's preseason tilt with Chase Claypool (rest) getting the night off. The 2022 second-round pick put together his best showing of the preseason so far, but he still projects to be third on the receiver pecking order behind the established duo of Diontae Johnson and the aforementioned Claypool. Pickens would garner fantasy interest even at third on the depth chart if the Steelers still had Ben Roethlisberger in his prime, but given the uncertainty under center this season, the rookie wideout should be only be considered an upside stash, as opposed to a reliable option heading into a Week 1 matchup with the Bengals.

Pickens caught both of his targets for six yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Jaguars.

Pickens had a quiet game as each of Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth played. The rookie second-round pick still caught a pass from Kenny Pickett midway through the second quarter, but he also played at least briefly with the backups in the second half. Pickens has had an impressive training camp by all accounts, but he will still likely be prioritized behind at least Johnson and Claypool for targets once the regular season rolls around.

Pickens hauled in three of five targets for 43 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 32-25 preseason win over the Seahawks.

Pickens served as a starter during Saturday's preseason opener since Diontae Johnson (hip) and Chase Claypool (shoulder) were kept off the field. Pickens was targeted by starter Mitch Trubisky twice and drew three targets from Mason Rudolph between the first and second quarters. Pickens' highlight of the night was an impressive 26-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone late in the first quarter. The 2022 second-rounder was listed as a starter on the Steelers' initial preseason depth chart, but coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the significance of the listing. However, Pickens has made a continual impact over the first few weeks of training camp and could be a factor in the team's offense early in his professional career.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin downplayed Pickens being listed with the starters on the team's initial preseason depth chart, Steelers Depot reports.

Asked if it's a testament to Pickens' work at training camp, Tomlin responded, "No, it's just the fact that I have to give you guys a depth chart." Fair enough, but whoever is responsible for the depth chart likely saw the same thing as everyone else -- rookies and backup-caliber players behind Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. That makes Pickens, a second-round pick, a decent bet to win the third receiver spot in a Pittsburgh offense that's gone heavy on three-wide formations in recent years. It is possible the team uses more one- and two-wide looks this year, though Pittsburgh still lists three wide receivers as starters. Other candidates to line up alongside Johnson and Claypool include Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin and Anthony Miller. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic notes that Pickens has been a "stud" at training camp, with Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan adding that the rookie hasn't backed down from Pittsburgh's veteran defenders in practice.

Pickens has been impressive over the first few days of training camp, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Pickens was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and should have the opportunity to earn targets early in his rookie season since the team lost several receivers during the offseason. The 21-year-old will likely be behind Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool (shoulder) for targets to begin the regular season, but Pickens has made impressive catches over his first few practices in a Steelers uniform. Rookie Calvin Austin and veterans Miles Boykin and Anthony Miller should also be in the mix for work in Pittsburgh's passing game.

The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 52nd overall.

Pickens (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) was a highly convincing producer at Georgia, where as a true freshman, he blazed his way to a team-leading 49 receptions for 727 yards and eight touchdowns on 77 targets (63.6 percent catch rate, 9.4 yards per target). He was off to another big season as a sophomore but tore his ACL in the eighth game, which kept him out until the final month of his 2021 junior season. Pickens fell this far largely because of his volatile on-field temperament, but his exceptional on-field results indicate he has no issues with his work ethic.