Why Did George Pickens Miss Week 9? Brian Schottenheimer clears the air following Cowboys win over Colts
The Dallas Cowboys decided not to play WR George Pickens due to injury, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided postgame clarity amid trade speculation from NFL world.
The Dallas Cowboys made wide receiver George Pickens inactive against the Indianapolis Colts as he fights shoulder and hamstring injuries. Previously, Pickens had a limited snap count in Weeks 7 and 8.
Naturally, the decision led to some trade speculation. With the NFL trade deadline being set for Tuesday, and with Pickens’ long-term future in Dallas cloudy, it only made sense to wonder about the timing of the decision.
Following the Cowboys win over the Colts, however, head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided some clarity behind the decision.
Pickens’ hamstring was the issue
One of the most curious things behind the decision was the fact that Pickens had already played while banged up. However, prior to Week 9, he was listed on the injury report only with a shoulder injury. A likely explanation as to why he didn’t play this time around was the newer hamstring injury.
Schottenheimer confirmed it postgame.
“It’s more the hamstring [that kept him out],” Schottenheimer said.
The Cowboys head coach added Pickens was close to playing, a sign his absence might not be an extended one as the team gears up to play the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium next Sunday.
“He tried to go,” Schottenheimer added. “I mean, he wanted to play. He loves football. He tried to play, and unfortunately, just ran out of time.”
For fans fearing a Pickens trade in the leadup to Tuesday’s deadline, the clarity should be encouraging. There is a logic explanation as to why the Cowboys sat their star wide receiver (one of two) for the game. Would a trade scenario make logical sense? Of course. After all, Pickens is on a one-year deal and the Cowboys have expressed doubt about paying two top wide receivers.
The speculation is fair given the Cowboys’ decision-making around Pickens. However, I would say it’s way likelier than not he is wearing the Star when it’s all said and done.
For what it’s worth, the Cowboys have consistently said they do not plan to be sellers ahead of the deadline.
Cowboys offense adapted without Pickens
The Cowboys offense certainly had its issues on Sunday, particularly with many drives that stalled due to execution mistakes and penalties. But it still produced over 500 yards of offense without Pickens.
According to Schottenheimer, it was Lamb who carried most of the burden of replacing Pickens as he picked up 195 yards and a touchdown.
“It didn’t necessarily change the game plan,” Schottenheimer explained. “If anything, it just moved CeeDee (Lamb) around and some personnel. Getting him into some of the spots that that (Pickens) would have been. But as I said, I’ve got trust in (Ryan Flournoy) stepping up, and (Jonathan) Mingo stepping up, Cam Brown. I mean, you saw Jordan Hudson in there for a play or so. The way that CeeDee (Lamb) and George (Pickens) run that room and have elevated that talent, and those guys are just itching to get their
opportunities.”
Flournoy sure did, as he was the receiver Dak Prescott turned to with the game on the line, finding him for a 48-yard shot against All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner that set up the Cowboys’ game-winning score.
“The world doesn’t talk enough about Ryan Flournoy and what he does, the type of player he is, the special talent, special young man,” Schottenheimer said. “Like I said, I liked the
matchup [versus Gardner].”
