Steelers’ George Pickens says he didn’t know the NFL had an Eye Black policy on uniforms | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was apparently unaware that the NFL could fine him for violating the league’s uniform policy during Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor noted Thursday that Pickens was asked about his decision to wear eye black that read “Open F–king Always” during the game and said he was unaware the league had a policy that prevents players from making personal, show unapproved messages.

“It’s just black on the eyes,” he added, answering “no” when asked if he expected there to be any backlash.

It was part of an eventful game for Pickens, who grabbed Jourdan Lewis’ face mask after the final whistle. That sent the Cowboys back to the ground defensively, but the wide receiver said “nothing” happened when asked about that incident.

For his part, Lewis attracted attention when he called Pickens “weak” while returning to the locker room:

“To be honest, I shouldn’t have said that,” Lewis said told reporters Wednesday. “It was an emotional match. There was some chatter on the pitch. One thing led to another. He had a moment, I had a moment. It was too emotional, I shouldn’t have said it.”

The incident happened after Pickens finished with just three catches for 26 yards in the 20-17 loss. He was on the field for a career-low 34 snaps.

“I think it was part of the game plan,” he said of his playing time. “That’s about it.”

It remains to be seen if he’ll be fined for a black eye or something else stemming from Sunday’s game, but he’ll look to bounce back onto the field when the Steelers take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.