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

Cowboys' George Pickens gets honest about lack of touches in Week 1 loss

By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 7:10 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys offense was humming in the first half of Week 1, but newcomer George Pickens had a quiet role in both halves of the team's 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. During his news conference on Wednesday, Pickens was asked how he felt about his lack of touches against the Eagles. Pickens claims he isn't worried about putting up stats as much as winning games.

“Really just staying open for them," Pickens said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. "I’m not really worried about the touches, catches, all that stuff. I’m just trying to stay open for the team. I’m trying to focus on (getting) the first win.”

Cowboys WR George Pickens when asked about getting more touches: “Really just staying open for them. I’m not really worried about the touches, catches, all that stuff. I’m just trying to stay open for the team. I’m trying to focus on (getting) the first win.” pic.twitter.com/DvmeZ0G0mW
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 10, 2025

George Pickens had a quiet Week 1 for the Dallas Cowboys

Following his trade to the Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers this spring, Pickens recorded three receptions for 30 yards in his debut for Dallas in Week 1. The 2022 second-round pick was the Steelers' leading receiver in 2023 and 2024, recording 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.

Pickens has been known for having an edge to him during his time in Pittsburgh, but the 24-year-old gave a professional answer to the media ahead of the Cowboys' Week 2 matchup at home against the New York Giants. Pickens is being a good teammate early in the season, but he's going to want his touches as the year progresses. He's playing on the final year of his rookie contract.

While CeeDee Lamb is the undisputed WR1, quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Brian Schottenheimer are going to need to work in Pickens. The Cowboys were shut out in the second half against Philadelphia, and Prescott should have looked to his WR2 to make plays.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

More must-reads: