The Dallas Cowboys avoided dealing away wide receiver George Pickens following NFL trade rumblings Tuesday. Now they've learned a pivotal update involving him and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before the San Francisco 49ers showdown.
Cowboys insider for ESPN Todd Archer captured a notable practice moment, indicating where both stand health wise.
“Joey Porter Jr. (ankle/heel) worked on the cords during the portion of practice open to the media. George Pickens was involved in individual drills,” Archer posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Once again Dallas kept Pickens despite witnessing the trade rumor mill spin on its axis. The Cowboys already had pulled off the Porter trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers way before the league's deadline of Tuesday.
Dallas still took heat for the lack of pulling off additional moves. The Cowboys enter Sunday holding a 4-5 mark and now, will face one of the best teams on their schedule.
San Francisco owns the NFC's best record at 7-1 overall after dismantling the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17. Only the Buffalo Bills out in the AFC share an identical record to the 49ers.
The Cowboys is operating through a down season in the NFC East. The defending division champion Philadelphia Eagles have dropped to 2-7 overall, while the Washington Commanders are still struggling at 2-5-1. Meanwhile, the New York Giants have emerged as the best surprise in the division at 5-2-1 overall in John Harbaugh's first season at the helm.
Dallas can certainly win over its fans by pulling the stunner of the Niners. But enter as a 4.5-point underdog per oddsmakers.