Steelers receiver George Pickens might have accidentally revealed Russell Wilson’s replacement for Justin Fields

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed his admiration for wide receiver George Pickens's performance, but may have concerns about his ability to keep secrets. Tomlin declined to name a starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Jets, but Pickens was more cautious during his own media session. Pickens was asked if Russell Wilson was practicing more due to his potential replacement for Justin Fields as starter. While Pickens didn't reveal a secret formula, Tomlin may still have a disagreement with the wideout about keeping information private.

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Russell Wilson might be replacing Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering Russell Wilson as a potential replacement for Justin Fields in Week 7's Week 7 game against the New York Jets. Steelers receiver George Pickens was asked about Wilson's extra effort during practice, as the veteran was rumored to be in the mix for the starting job. "Getting on the same page [with Wilson] after practice throwing," Pickens told reporters Friday. "More than usual because this is his first start.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has kept the starting quarterback decision "in-house" and will not reveal his preference between Wilson and Fields. Wilson will make his first start on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Fields has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, completing 66.3% of his pass attempts. Wilson, who arrived in Pittsburgh after signing a veteran minimum contract in free agency, has been on the sidelines since suffering a calf injury in training camp and reaggravating it just days before the season opener. Pickens, who started six games, caught 26 passes for 363 yards and 60.5 receiving yards per game.

Pickens, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, made his first start of the season in Week 1 with six catches on seven targets for 85 yards. In Week 2's 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos, Pickens caught a pass from quarterback Justin Fields, but it was negated by a holding penalty on right tackle Broderick Jones. Pickens then eclipsed his first 100 receiving yard game of the season in Week 4's 24-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, catching seven passes for 113 yards but failing to score a touchdown. He also fumbled once, causing the Steelers to lose possession and set up a Colts touchdown drive.

In the final minutes of the Steelers' 17-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens made his third and final reception. With no timeouts remaining, the Steelers needed to gain significant yardage to tie the score. Pickens caught the ball around the 25-yard line and threw a backwards pass to Isaac Seumalo, leading to multiple lateral passes. Pickens finished the game with three catches on seven targets for 26 yards, his worst statistical game of the season.

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