Report: Steelers' George Pickens facing fine for eye black expletive

Field Level Media|published: Wed 9th October, 16:38 2024

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Dallas won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is facing a potential fine for writing an expletive on his eye black, ESPN reported Wednesday.

During Sunday night's loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys, Pickens had the message "Open F---ing Always" written in silver over the eye black, per the report.

The NFL is said to be reviewing the incident as a potential violation of Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8, which prohibits players from "wearing, displaying or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office."

Pickens, 23, caught three of seven targets for a season-low 26 yards in Sunday's 20-17 defeat. He has 23 catches for 310 yards and no touchdowns through five starts this season.

The 2022 second-round pick is coming off a breakout 2023 season in which he led the NFL in yards per reception (18.1), catching 63 passes for 1,140 yards and five TDs in 17 games (16 starts).

--Field Level Media