Cowboys Cite Pickens’ Shoulder for Reduced Playing Time

Pickens played 60.3% and 56.8% of Dallas’ offensive snaps in its past two games, a sharp drop from his usage earlier in the season. He had logged at least 76.4% in each of the team’s first six games, and usually exceeded 84%. On November 4, coach Brian Schottenheimer said Pickens’ health was a factor in limiting his time on the field, particularly when blocking on running plays.

Pickens had been listed with a shoulder issue since Week 7. His targets have also fallen: he received 10 over the past two games, after reaching at least 11 in three of the previous four.

Schottenheimer said the team’s play calls include opportunities for Pickens, but that targets are divided with fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb. He acknowledged that getting Pickens more involved is a responsibility for him as the play-caller. Owner Jerry Jones also said on November 3 that Pickens should receive more passes.

Lamb’s continued availability has restored him to the top receiving role, after Pickens took on more of that work when Lamb missed time in 2025. Amid the recent decline in Pickens’ usage and Dallas’ struggles, trade speculation has increased. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on November 3 that there was no trade in motion.