Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

George Pickens is offering a glimmer of hope amid Cowboys' tough season

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 2:21 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' season has been disastrous, especially with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missing their game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4 due to a high-ankle sprain.

With Lamb out, quarterback Dak Prescott has had to find others to fill the void the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver leaves behind. George Pickens has filled that void perfectly after getting traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason and has put together a solid season. Pickens, according to StatMuse, surpassed his total for touchdowns (four) in four games with the Cowboys, which is more than he had in 14 games with the Steelers (three).

George Pickens is de facto No. 1 receiver with CeeDee Lamb out

With Lamb relegated to the sidelines until further notice, Pickens will be Prescott's first option when he or head coach Brian Schottenheimer calls for a pass. Pickens leads all Cowboys players in receiving with 300 yards, while being tied with running back Javonte Williams for the lead in touchdowns on the team. Pickens could soon surpass his yards total from last season, 900, and possibly set a new career high.

Pickens' ability to be the No. 1 option was on display against the Packers, as he scored two touchdowns with 134 yards on eight receptions. Pickens had his first game with over 100 yards receiving since the Steelers' win against the New York Jets in October 2024.

George Pickens had a NIGHT pic.twitter.com/R5NBgIn1Ml
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 29, 2025

Dallas Cowboys offense needs to overcome its poor defense

If the Cowboys have any hope of making the playoffs this season, it will come from their offense overcoming their terrible defense. A change in defensive coordinator could help the Cowboys figure it out on defense, with Matt Eberflus showing he’s unable to stop opposing offenses. With the league's best offense and having two games this season with 40 points, the potential for the Cowboys to be good is there.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. You can find my other work on Southside Showdown from FanSided and at Chicitysports where I cover all Chicago sports. When not watching sports, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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