Jones Wants Pickens More Involved in Cowboys Offense

Jones said Dallas needs to direct more passes toward Pickens, who caught two balls on four targets in the Cowboys’ 33-30 overtime defeat by the Cardinals. Pickens played 42 of the team’s 74 offensive snaps, his lowest share in a game outside last season’s regular-season finale.

Jones said Dallas had planned to emphasize the run, but the team managed only 93 yards on 39 carries. He praised Arizona’s defensive line for its performance and described the result as frustrating.

Quarterback Dak Prescott targeted CeeDee Lamb 11 times, compared with four for Pickens. Ryan Flournoy played more snaps than Pickens, as he was more willing to block in the running game.

Across eight games, Pickens has made 39 receptions for 533 yards and two scores, with 62 passes thrown his way. Lamb leads Dallas with 60 receptions, 709 yards and six touchdowns. Pickens is playing under the franchise tag, worth $27.289 million this season, after the sides did not reach an extension agreement in the offseason.

Dallas, which has lost four of its first eight games, is scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.