Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is speaking out against the media and defending his actions during a recent game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pickens, who has faced scrutiny and criticism for his lack of effort in finishing a block on a Jaylen Warren run, attributes his cautious approach to fear of injury.

The incident in question occurred in the first quarter of the Steelers' game against the Colts when Pickens chose not to fully engage in blocking as Warren approached the goal line. While Warren was ultimately stopped short of the end zone, Pickens' lack of effort drew attention and raised questions about his commitment to the team.

In a post-practice interview at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Pickens explained, "I was trying to prevent a Tank Dell situation. I didn't want to get injured. When you stay in and block somebody, you can get run on very easily." Pickens referred to Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier in December while blocking during a touchdown run.

Pickens expressed frustration with how the media has portrayed his performance, stating, "They don't play football. They do what you all do." He believes that the criticism stems from a lack of understanding of the risks and challenges faced on the field. Pickens also highlighted the inconsistency in media opinions, noting that last season he was praised for his blocking abilities.

The criticism comes at a time when Pickens has been facing scrutiny for his conduct on and off the field. Questions about his behavior arose during his college career at Georgia, and a previous ACL tear in 2021 likely contributed to his slip to the second round of the 2022 draft. Despite these challenges, Pickens has shown steady production with 52 catches for 814 yards and three touchdowns this season.

The incident with Pickens occurred shortly after coach Mike Tomlin addressed the receiver's frustrations during games, emphasizing the need for a more solution-oriented mindset. Although Pickens initially denied having a meeting with Tomlin, a clarification by a public relations representative stated that Pickens was confused about the timing of the meeting.

Tomlin has not yet indicated whether Pickens will face disciplinary action for his actions. In an earlier incident this season, Pickens left the field rather than celebrate a Diontae Johnson touchdown, resulting in him being excluded from pre-game introductions the following week. However, he remained in the lineup.

Teammate Diontae Johnson expressed support for Pickens, stating, "It's my job and everybody's job to rally around a guy like that, George specifically. Just to keep his spirits up, keep his head in the game so when the ball comes his way, he's able to make a play."

As the Steelers strive for improvement, the controversy surrounding Pickens serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by players both on and off the field. The media's role in analyzing and critiquing their performances continues to be a point of contention, highlighting the delicate balance between fair reporting and understanding the realities of the game.