George Pickens Rumors: Mike Tomlin says star WR wasn't benched after losing playing time in Week 5

It definitely feels like something is going on with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. However, if you ask HC Mike Tomlin, this is not the case.

After playing just 35 total offensive snaps (3-26-0 on seven targets) in the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys – the fewest offensive snaps he has ever played in an NFL game (regular or post-season). season) in his career, according to NFL Next Gen Stats — Tomlin says he was limited because of “quick management” and not because he was benched or had any other underlying story.

If there is any truth to Tomlin's comments, it seems like a gross injustice to an offense that already struggles at WR and has very little depth beyond Pickens, relying on wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III, as well as TE Pat Freiermuth sets – the only players to run more than 20 routes a day – it feels like there's something deeper going on there.

If it doesn't, consider it a significant error on the part of the coaching staff, as the Steelers averaged just 4.3 yards per pass attempt while the Cowboys averaged 7.6 yards per pass attempt despite managing to avoid turnovers to limit air.

After once holding the lead in the AFC North, the Steelers now share a 3-2 record with the Baltimore Ravens, with the Ravens in first place thanks to a 1-0 divisional record following their Week 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals win in the division standings. The Steelers have yet to face an AFC North opponent.