‘Some Things Health-Wise’: Stephen Jones Explains George Pickens’ Early Exit, Says Pickens And CeeDee Lamb Are ‘In A Good Place’
FRISCO, Texas — Stephen Jones said George Pickens has been dealing with “some things health-wise,” including his hamstring, after video showed the Dallas Cowboys receiver running to the locker room at the end of Sunday’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys COO and executive vice president spoke Monday on 105.3 The Fan’s “K&C Masterpiece”.
Pickens caught 2 passes for 48 yards on 4 targets Sunday. CeeDee Lamb caught 7 passes for 58 yards on 11 targets. Jones said he did not think Pickens is upset with how he is being used.
“No, I don’t think so,” Jones said. “George has some things health-wise that he’s communicating with the offensive staff on when he’s had some different things with his hamstring and some other things that tighten up on him during the game. It wasn’t necessarily that we were pulling him out of the game.”
Stephen Jones Says George Pickens Has Hamstring, Other Issues
Video that circulated after the game showed Pickens running through the walkway at AT&T Stadium toward the Cowboys’ locker room within seconds of Chad Ryland’s winning 42-yard field goal. Pickens is playing this season on the Cowboys’ one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag. In 2025, his first season in Dallas, he set career highs with 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and 9 touchdowns and made his first Pro Bowl.
Whose opportunities come first changes from game to game depending on how opponents play the two receivers, according to Jones. Last season, Pickens had more of them.
“Those things come and go with CeeDee from game to game,” Jones explained. “Each team plays those guys differently, and sometimes things start out slow for CeeDee and fast for George and vice versa. And that was the case a lot last year. George had a lot of opportunities, and CeeDee didn’t have as many. And this year, it feels like CeeDee’s getting more opportunities. And they’re doing a lot with George.”
“So those things tend to even out over the course of time,” Jones continued. “But, no, I think CeeDee and George are in a good place. And we just have to continue to go to work every day and let this thing, hopefully this thing comes together. We think it will. We’re certainly convinced we can do this.”
Dallas Cowboys Face Pickens Questions Before Trade Deadline
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10. On Monday’s “First Take,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said the Cowboys have to trade Pickens, pointing to what Pickens and Lamb would cost together.
Dallas visits the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon CT on FOX.
