Are the Steelers simply using rookie WR George Pickens as a decoy?

Wide receiver George Pickens was the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest star in training camp and the preseason, consistently standing out and showing big-play potential in practices and exhibition games. It made him a preseason rookie of the year favorite as he figured to play a big role in the team's offense.

But through the first two games, he has barely made an impact with just two catches for 28 yards. It has been one of the biggest frustrations with a lackluster offense that refuses to attack downfield.

One Steelers analyst, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly, speculates that Pickens is simply being used as a decoy in offensive coordinator Matt Canada's scheme.

Kaboly wrote this week that Pickens has been asked to run almost nothing but vertical go routes to push the corner or safety downfield, basically removing him from the offense. 

So far, it has been a pretty big waste of a player that might be the team's most physically gifted receiver. Especially as the offense and passing game struggles to generate any sort of momentum. 

Through two games the Steelers offense has scored just two touchdowns (one in each game) and has not really completed anything downfield. 

Pickens argued this week that he feels he is open on roughly 90 percent of his routes. 

So far, though, starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky has yet to consistently find him. He knows that has to change, especially as fans and media begin to clamor for First-Round pick Kenny Pickett to get playing time as the offense continues to struggle.