The Dallas Cowboys enter their Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts with George Pickens’ availability unresolved and speculation about his future still circulating. The receiver remained limited throughout the practice week because of a hamstring injury and carries a questionable designation for Sunday’s game.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed optimism Friday, saying he was “hopeful” Pickens would play. However, three consecutive limited practices leave Dallas preparing for uncertainty at a position already missing KaVontae Turpin, who has been ruled out with a rib injury.
Pickens headlines a lengthy injury report that also includes questionable designations for Jake Ferguson, Joey Porter Jr. and DeMarvion Overshown. With multiple offensive options managing injuries, Dallas faces decisions that could shape both its personnel packages and passing-game approach.
George Pickens’ hamstring complicates the trade conversation
Pickens’ injury provides important context for the discussion surrounding his role. He previously appeared on the injury report with both shoulder and hamstring issues, but only the hamstring remains listed entering the Colts matchup. His practice workload nevertheless stayed restricted Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
That distinction matters because reduced involvement can invite conclusions about a player’s standing. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams said Thursday that Pickens’ limited workload was injury-related rather than a reflection of his performance, offering a football explanation amid the trade speculation.
The rumors have developed ahead of the November 10 trade deadline, with Pickens playing the season on the franchise tag. Schottenheimer’s earlier criticism of his run blocking and subsequent questions about his usage have added attention to an already closely watched situation.
Still, speculation should not be confused with an impending transaction. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that he had been told the Cowboys were not trading Pickens, adding that “as of right now, there’s nothing there.”
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb also pushed back against the trade conversation Thursday. Their support reinforces the distinction between outside debate about Dallas’ roster strategy and the immediate task of getting Pickens healthy enough to contribute against Indianapolis.
For Sunday, the practical question is whether Pickens can provide his usual receiving threat. Being active would not automatically establish that he can handle an unrestricted workload.
Cowboys injury report includes two absences and seven questionable players
Dallas has ruled out Turpin and outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence, who missed all three practices with an ankle injury. Pickens joins Jonathan Bullard, Ferguson, Marist Liufau, Overshown, Porter and Luke Schoonmaker among seven players listed as questionable.
🔑 #Cowboys final injury report vs. Colts is below.
📝 i expect a move made to make room for the likely return of Marist Liufau from IR (Malachi Lawrence to IR?).
📝 correction: PJ Locke and Caleb Downs have officially cleared concussion protocol.
📝 Dee Winters is… pic.twitter.com/q5zGmRhacW
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) November 6, 2026
Ferguson missed Wednesday and Thursday before returning for limited work Friday because of an ankle injury. Schoonmaker remained limited throughout the week with a groin issue, leaving uncertainty at both tight end spots.
Porter moved from full participation Wednesday to limited work Thursday and Friday with an ankle injury. Bullard, managing a calf issue, and Liufau, dealing with a forearm injury, practiced fully all week despite their questionable designations.
Overshown was limited in the two sessions recorded on the supplied report with hamstring and back injuries. His Friday participation entry is absent, so it should not be treated as a confirmed missed practice.
Elsewhere, Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke progressed from no participation to full Friday sessions. Tyler Smith and Dee Winters also finished fully, while Kenny Clark and Drew Shelton practiced fully throughout.
Broderick Jones and Von Miller returned to full participation after personal and rest absences, respectively. Their Friday entries are missing. Those players carry unspecified game statuses in the supplied report, not confirmed absences.