Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones acknowledged that wide receiver George Pickens needs to be more involved in the offense after the team's 3-5 start. Pickens caught just two passes and played only 57% of offensive snaps in Sunday's overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals, while fellow wideout Ryan Flournoy saw 68% of snaps.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones attributed Pickens' limited usage to the game plan, which emphasized the run. "He needs the ball coming his way more, and there's your good case," Jones said. "We get the ball in that direction more, and we press that. We had a really firm game plan to come out there and run that ball." Dallas ran 39 times for 93 yards, while quarterback Dak Prescott targeted CeeDee Lamb 11 times and Pickens only four times.
Flournoy earned more playing time due to his willingness to block in the running game. Pickens' talent as a pass-catcher is recognized, but his effort on plays not directed to him remains a concern. His incomplete game is costing him snaps and could jeopardize a long-term contract with the Cowboys, who may consider trading him before the November 10 deadline if they lose to the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
