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George Pickens Returns to Limited Practice as Cowboys Prepare for Thanksgiving vs. Chiefs

His breakout has intensified Dallas’ contract calculus, with a 2026 franchise tag viewed as a real option.

Overview

  • After a listed DNP on Monday with knee/calf issues, Pickens practiced Tuesday on a limited basis, a positive step toward Thanksgiving availability.
  • The receiver caught 9 of 9 targets for 146 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 24-21 win over the Eagles and now has 1,054 yards and eight scores through 11 games.
  • Dak Prescott and Jerry Jones publicly said Dallas needs to keep Pickens, with reporting noting a projected franchise tag cost of about $28 million for 2026.
  • Pickens’ surge has shifted attention as CeeDee Lamb deals with drops, though coordinator Brian Schottenheimer voiced full confidence and said plays will continue to feature No. 88.
  • Dallas hosts Kansas City on Thanksgiving at 4:30 p.m. ET, with some predictive models giving the Chiefs an edge and left tackle Tyler Guyton reportedly unlikely to play.