The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC North clash this week, and the team is looking to bounce back from their loss against another division foe last Thursday.
The Steelers lost to the Cleveland Browns in the snow on Thursday, as Jameis Winston led the Browns to a surprising victory over one of the better teams in the AFC.
Near the end of the game, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens fought with Browns defensive back Greg Newsome. The altercation went viral, and both players spoke out after the game. Pickens said that the Browns wouldn't have won without the snow, and Newsome referred to Pickens as a "fake tough guy."
More than a week later - and before the Steelers' game against the Bengals - Pickens was no longer willing to discuss the matter.
"I'm just here so I won't get fined," Pickens said on Friday, refusing to answer questions from reporters about the Browns game, or even about the upcoming game against Cincinnati.
It's the latest example of Pickens' less-than-friendly relationship with the media throughout his career, following his criticisms of the team's offense over the last two seasons.
He has been criticized for a lack of effort in certain games, including refusing to block for a teammate on a potential touchdown-scoring play last season. Despite his issues, Pickens has proven himself as the best receiver on Pittsburgh's roster, making big plays and acrobatic catches on a near-weekly basis.
Pickens leads the Steelers with 52 receptions for 776 yards so far this season. The third-year receiver is looking to record his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign after putting up 1,140 yards in 2023.
He's developed a rapport with new Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson this season, helping the team to an 8-3 record and the division lead in the AFC North.
The Steelers will look to add to that lead against the Bengals this week, as head coach Mike Tomlin seeks his NFL-record 18th consecutive non-losing season with Pittsburgh's ninth win of the year.
The Steelers and Bengals will face off at 1 PM ET on Sunday at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The game can be seen on CBS.
