The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their upcoming mandatory minicamp, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer expects star wide receiver George Pickens to attend the sessions. This comes after Pickens missed recent voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) following his signing of a $27.3 million franchise tag tender.
However, even if the dynamic playmaker reports to the team facility next week, a notable team insider is advising fans and analysts to manage their expectations regarding his immediate workload. In a video shared on X by the Cowboys Collective, sports journalist Jon Machota noted that the organization anticipates Pickens' arrival. Yet, franchise quarterback Dak Prescott introduced a note of caution.
Speaking to local media representatives, Prescott explained that the star wide receiver would not immediately participate in intensive football drills. The team aims to protect Pickens from unnecessary soft-tissue injuries or early setbacks. Prescott emphasized, “They don’t want him to do too much and then suddenly suffer a setback or some type of injury. If that happens, he could go into training camp with an issue. So, even if he’s there next week, don’t expect him to be doing a ton.”
.@jonmachota said the #Cowboys expect WR George Pickens to be at mandatory minicamp next week.
However Dak Prescott explained to the local media that Pickens won’t immediately jump into everything when he first gets back, ‘they don’t want him to do too much & then all of a… pic.twitter.com/EFr8vObFfc
— Cowboys Collective (@CowboysHMA) June 13, 2026
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This careful approach underscores the importance of keeping their primary receiver healthy for the regular season rather than rushing him into competitive minicamp practices.
Further emphasizing the uncertainty of the situation, Schottenheimer later clarified via Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. on X that his optimism regarding Pickens' attendance is not based on confirmed information, as Pickens has not explicitly communicated his plans to show up. Preserving Pickens' health remains a top priority for Dallas, especially after his impressive performance last season, where he played a pivotal role in the passing game during CeeDee Lamb's absences and contributed to Prescott having a career-best year.
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their upcoming mandatory minicamp, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer expects star wide receiver George Pickens to attend the sessions. This comes after Pickens missed recent voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) following his signing of a $27. 3 million franchise tag tender.