Cowboys Reveal Hamstring Issue Behind Pickens' Reduced Role

The Dallas Cowboys have offered an explanation for George Pickens' reduced involvement in recent weeks, with team executive Stephen Jones revealing on Monday that the wide receiver has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said Pickens has "some things healthwise" that he has been communicating to the offensive staff, including hamstring trouble and other issues. The numbers back up the concern: after playing at least 80 percent of the offensive snaps in most games before Week 7, Pickens played roughly 60 percent in each of the last two weeks, dropping to a season-low 56.8 percent against Arizona. He was targeted just four times in that game, catching two passes for 48 yards. The update came after Dallas blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead to lose 33-30 in overtime to the Cardinals, dropping to 3-5. With the Cowboys' bye week not arriving until mid-December, in Week 14, managing Pickens' fitness through five straight games without a substantial break now becomes a key part of their season.