The Cowboys got a little clarity on George Pickens just as the trade deadline dust settled.
Pickens, who sat out last week’s narrow road win over the Indianapolis Colts because of a hamstring/shoulder issue, was back on the field in a limited way during practice. “Cowboys WR George Pickens (hamstring/shoulder) going through individual drills during today’s practice,” reported Cowboys insider Jon Machota of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.
That update matters because Pickens’ status had been in question since he was injured in Dallas’ home loss to the Arizona Cardinals the weekend before the Colts game. It also comes after a trade deadline that left plenty of Cowboys fans waiting for movement that never came.
Pickens was one of the names drawing attention, especially with speculation around a reportedly turbulent relationship between the receiver and the team tied to failed contract talks. But Tuesday passed without a deal, and Pickens remains in Dallas for the rest of the season.
Now the focus shifts to Sunday’s matchup with San Francisco, where the Cowboys return home to face the top seed in the NFC. The 49ers also made a deadline move of their own, landing wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. Dallas’ defense will have a major test on its hands trying to slow down San Francisco’s offense, a challenge that looms large for a unit that hasn’t looked like the improved group many expected this season.
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 4:25 pm ET from Arlington.
In Other News...
Cowboys Secondary Depth Is Suddenly Looking Like A Real Problem
The Cowboys defensive backfield has become one of the more unstable parts of the roster, and the ripple effects are showing up everywhere. Injuries have forced constant shuffling in the secondary, leaving Dallas to lean on less experienced players while first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker keeps trying to patch together a workable rotation.
Roster moves have only added to the sense that the room is being stretched thin. Dallas released cornerback Reddy Steward from the practice squad to make room for running back Kendre Miller after Tyler Goodsons injury, a reminder that the Cowboys are juggling needs on both sides of the ball while several key defensive backs have already missed multiple games. The result has been inconsistent coverage and a depth chart that looks a lot shakier than it did a few weeks ago. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Rookie Suddenly Faces Big Test With Defense Banged Up
A banged-up stretch on defense is opening the door for Jaishawn Barham, and the rookie linebacker is suddenly in line for a much bigger workload. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker said Barham will see increased playing time, a notable shift for a player who has been limited in recent weeks but has still managed to contribute 35 total tackles, four tackles for loss and one quarterback hit through nine games.
The timing matters with San Francisco next on the schedule, because Dallas needs bodies and production wherever it can find them. Barhams expanded role gives the Cowboys another young piece to lean on as the defense navigates injuries, and it also puts a spotlight on how quickly he can handle a heavier assignment when the snaps start coming his way. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Need Answers Fast On Joey Porter Jr's Latest Setback
Joey Porter Jr.s latest injury setback comes at a time when the Cowboys could use some stability on defense. Their pass coverage has been a problem, and Porter has already been part of the conversation around the team because of contract-related rumors that owner Jerry Jones has pushed back on. Instead of quieting things down, the ankle issue has only added another layer of uncertainty around a player the Cowboys would rather have available than discussing from the sideline.
Porter acknowledged the injury is serious and said he wants to get back on the field as soon as he can, but the timing is not ideal with San Francisco next on the schedule. He was held out of practice Wednesday, which leaves his status for the upcoming game in doubt and forces the Cowboys to keep looking for answers in a secondary that has already had enough problems. [Read more 🡒]