George Pickens Ejected For Late Hit on Tyler Boyd

Rookie wide receiver George Pickens got ejected with 44 seconds remaining in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 37-30 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday for a late hit on Tyler Boyd, who recovered the onside kick and was clearly down. Boyd’s recovery secured the win for Cincinnati.

Pickens was trying to make a play, but he got too aggressive and led with his helmet, which caused a scrum to break out. It was definitely a careless and dangerous play by Pickens.

Pickens finished the game with four receptions for 83 yards (20.8 average) and a touchdown. He also had a spectacular 33-yard grab down the right sideline early in the fourth quarter. It was a solid performance by the Georgia product, but it was hampered by being ejected and dropping a for-sure touchdown late in the game.

Pickens is a great talent, but the reckless unnecessary roughness penalty on Boyd is one of the reasons why he dropped to the second round in the draft. He had several moments at Georgia where his emotions got the best of him.

George Pickens will surely receive a hefty fine from the NFL, and hopefully, it’s a learning moment for the rookie. The Steelers are fortunate that he was ejected with just 44 seconds left and the game sealed. Pickens has been the Steelers’ best receiver this year, so they need him available.

Pickens was noticeably frustrated as he walked to the locker room after being ejected. Boyd declined to comment on the situation.