Cowboys Announce George Pickens Development on Thursday
The Dallas Cowboys have spent much of the offseason generating excitement around what their offense could look like in 2026, and a big reason for that optimism is the presence of star wide receiver George Pickens.
That's why some fans took notice when Pickens was absent from the team's voluntary OTA workouts this week. Whenever a Pro Bowl player isn't on the field, questions naturally follow. However, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer quickly put any concerns to rest on Thursday.
Speaking with reporters from The Star in Frisco, Schottenheimer provided a straightforward explanation for Pickens' absence while making it clear that the organization remains fully confident the standout receiver will be ready when it matters most.
George Pickens isn't attending OTAs. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he talked to Pickens yesterday. He has a football camp this weekend.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 4, 2026
"He's taking care of his business." Schottenheimer expects Pickens to attend mandatory minicamp and training camp pic.twitter.com/yJR0X0IH5g
Brian Schottenheimer Explains George Pickens' OTA Absence
Speaking with reporters Thursday, Schottenheimer revealed that he had recently spoken with Pickens and said there was a simple reason the receiver was not at organized team activities.
"George Pickens isn't attending OTAs," Cowboys reporter Jon Machota reported on X. "Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he talked to Pickens yesterday. He has a football camp this weekend."
Schottenheimer added that Pickens is simply handling responsibilities away from the team.
"He's taking care of his business."
The Cowboys coach also stressed that OTAs remain voluntary and that communication between the organization and Pickens has been positive throughout the offseason.
Cowboys Expect George Pickens Back Soon
While Pickens has not yet participated in OTAs, Dallas does not expect his absence to continue much longer.
"I expect he'll be here [for minicamp], and I think he's in a good spot," Schottenheimer said. "I know he's handling his business, and I know he misses his teammates. We miss him, too."
Mandatory minicamp begins on June 16, and because Pickens has already signed his franchise tag, fines would apply for any unexcused absence. Based on Schottenheimer's comments, however, the Cowboys fully expect the star receiver to be in attendance.
The update also aligns with comments made earlier this offseason by quarterback Dak Prescott, who revealed that he and Pickens have already spent time working together away from the team's facility.
Dallas Is Counting On Another Big Season
Pickens enters 2026 coming off the most productive season of his NFL career. The explosive playmaker totaled 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while averaging nearly 16 yards per reception. Those numbers helped earn him his first Pro Bowl selection and reinforced his status as one of the NFL's most dangerous downfield threats.
Now playing on the franchise tag, Pickens has even more motivation to deliver another elite season as he pursues a long-term contract in the future.
For now, the Cowboys appear unconcerned about his absence from voluntary workouts. Schottenheimer's latest update suggests the organization remains confident that one of its most important offensive weapons will be back with his teammates when mandatory work begins later this month.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 11:46 AM.