Steelers won't block WR George Pickens from playing this week

Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is part of Pittsburgh's gameplan this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Head coach Mike Tomlin declined disclosure of any team discipline for Pickens, who admitted to avoiding blocking in the running game last week in a critical loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Pickens said Tuesday he was intentionally not blocking because he didn't want to get hurt.

"I didn't want to get injured," said Pickens after being called out via social media for dodging contact as a downfield blocker. "When you stay in and block somebody, you can get run up on very easily."

Interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner said he addressed Pickens' situation privately and with the wide receiver group. Tomlin said he met with Pickens one-on-one Wednesday, then accepted the media request to hold an unscheduled press conference to discuss the matter.

"I would like him to be more professional in terms of addressing some of his shortcomings with you guys [media] to further add fluidity to the process," Tomlin said. "He's not helping himself, he's not helping the process in the manner in which he's dealt with you guys, but the manner in which he deals with you guys is not necessarily a manner in which he deals with us or himself regarding acknowledging where he is and where he needs to go."

Pickens has "obvious room" for improvement, Tomlin said.

The second-year receiver leads the Steelers with 52 receptions for 814 yards.

—Field Level Media