When a talent like the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb graces the roster, his presence naturally draws defensive attention at every level. But with Lamb sidelined—recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 3—the offense feels a noticeable void. Over his five-year career, Lamb has amassed 6,561 receiving yards (seventh in franchise history), 512 receptions (fourth), and holds the single-season records for catches (135) and yards (1,749)—an impressive legacy spanning seven decades of Cowboys football.

In Lamb’s absence, his wide receiver partner George Pickens acknowledges the gap. “You can tell a person that’s missing,” Pickens noted, highlighting the challenge ahead.

George Pickens Embraces New Responsibility with Dak Prescott

Pickens brings experience as a WR1 from his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he racked up 2,841 yards alongside quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and a fading Russell Wilson. Now, with Dak Prescott under center, Pickens feels a heightened sense of duty. He made a heartfelt promise to “show up” for his quarterback.

“We’ve always got to show up for Dak—along with all the other receivers. We’re just trying to stay on the same page, and hoping [Lamb’s] recovery goes well,” Pickens said.

This situation offers Pickens a chance to build on his early stats—13 catches for 166 yards—and prove his worth as he approaches free agency next offseason, potentially earning a top-end WR2 or mid-range WR1 contract.

“Oh, it’s a great opportunity,” Pickens added. “I’ve already kind of showcased myself, but I just want to show up for Dak, and for the team, and get a win. … I just have to make plays, run the right routes, and, you know, show up for Dak.”

Dak Prescott’s Confidence in Pickens

Prescott echoed that optimism when asked about Pickens. “I’m very comfortable, and very confident, in what he’s gonna do, where I expect him to be, and where he expects the ball. Those communications are continuously happening,” he said on Thursday.

“We just had a conversation out there today that was needed after a couple of incompletions on a certain ball—just getting back at it and us having the same mindset of how we’re gonna attack that route. He’s a great player. I told you all that from the time he showed up. These receivers, guys like George, CeeDee, they make it easy for that chemistry to grow. They go do their job, and I just talk to them a little bit about what I expect here, what I expect there, and they go make plays; and so I’m looking just to continue to build on what we’ve only started.”

Cowboys Maintain Pickens’ Role

Despite Lamb’s absence, head coach Brian Schottenheimer clarified that the offensive approach remains unchanged. The Cowboys have been leveraging Pickens to challenge defenses deep, and that strategy will persist starting with the Packers in Week 4.

“George is always going to be a focal part of what we’re doing, whether CeeDee is out there or not,” Schottenheimer said. “That doesn’t really change. I would say George’s role doesn’t really change. It’s more of some of the other guys around him that would change.”