Cowboys’ Roster Move Raises Doubts About Pickens’ Availability

The Dallas Cowboys elevated wide receiver Jordan Hudson from their practice squad on November 7, a move that could signal concern about George Pickens’ availability for the Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pickens is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury after practicing on a limited basis throughout the week.

Pickens also had a shoulder issue on last week’s injury report, but that injury was no longer listed this week. He followed a similar practice schedule before playing in Week 8, so his availability had not appeared to be in serious doubt. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Friday he was “hopeful” Pickens would play, without making a commitment.

The Cowboys have also ruled out receiver KaVontae Turpin. In the two previous games Turpin missed, Dallas did not elevate another receiver, instead making rookie Camden Brown active as its fifth wideout. Hudson’s elevation could leave him as the fifth receiver if Pickens is inactive and Brown is again available. The Cowboys are expected to announce their inactive players about 90 minutes before kickoff on November 8.

Dallas also elevated tight end James Mitchell. Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker are both questionable, and the move may indicate one of them will miss the game. Ferguson had only one limited practice while dealing with a low-ankle sprain; Schoonmaker, who missed last week with a groin injury, had limited practices on each of the three days.

If both tight ends are sidelined, Mitchell and Brevyn Spann-Ford would be the Cowboys’ only healthy players at the position. Mitchell was elevated last week and played 10 special-teams snaps, but did not appear on offense.