Cowboys WR Update Emerges Amid George Pickens Development

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cowboys WR Update Emerges Amid George Pickens Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 3:16 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys have had an inconsistent first half of the 2026 NFL season, but if they want a chance at the NFC East title, they will have to turn things around soon. Entering Week 10’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys are 4-5 and in second place in the division behind the 5-2-1 New York Giants.

Entering the season, high expectations were placed upon the Cowboys’ offense. While the offense has been productive overall, some up-and-down stretches and injuries have limited the unit’s effectiveness. Wide receiver George Pickens missed Week 9 with a hamstring strain, and he has remained one of their key contributors.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In eight games this season, Pickens has 39 receptions for 533 yards and two touchdowns. While this is a step down from his elite 2025 season, he has still been the Cowboys’ primary receiving threat behind CeeDee Lamb.

After missing the game against the Indianapolis Colts, Pickens has returned to practice this week. Ahead of the team’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys now have another wide receiver situation to monitor.

According to Cowboys reporter Tommy Yarrish, Jonathan Mingo was not seen during the media viewing portion of practice.

Did not see Cowboys WR Jonathan Mingo and S Alijah Clark at the media’s viewing period of practice today. Malik Hooker returned to practice today.
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) November 12, 2026

Mingo’s absence comes as Pickens continues working on a limited basis. Pickens’ return to practice was an important step in his recovery, but his status for Sunday is still uncertain.

While Mingo has primarily served as a depth option, he has also seen some use as a returner this season amid the injuries to KaVontae Turpin.

If both Pickens and Mingo are unable to play on Sunday, the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott would likely have to lean more heavily on the rest of their wide receiver depth behind CeeDee Lamb.

For now, Dallas will continue monitoring both players as it prepares for a tough test against the top-seeded 49ers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: