“He didn’t have the game he’s been having": Jerry Jones gets 100% real about George Pickens' efforts after Cowboys WR's poor showing vs Lions

Cowboys' George Pickens failed to give full effort during Thursday's 44-30 defeat in Detroit. Team owner Jerry Jones also evaluated him on Friday.

Jones acquired Pickens from the Steelers in May 2025. The move has paid dividends, with the wideout recording four 100-yard performances and handling increased responsibilities when needed.

During Friday's episode of "105.3 The Fan," Jones addressed mounting questions about Pickens after the receiver's night against the Lions.

"He didn't have the game he's been having," Jones said. "But effort, I would be very careful with him going there."

Jon Machota

@jonmachota

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on George Pickens’ effort last night: “He didn’t have the game he’s been having. But effort, I would be very careful with him going there.”

Amazon Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman ripped the receiver during the broadcast, saying he appeared disengaged from the action.

“George Pickens throughout the game, especially late in the game, just looked uninterested," Sherman said. "Uninterested in playing football. And that's what you can't have if you're gonna be a superstar. If you wanna be the best receiver in the National Football League, you can't ever be disengaged."

George Pickens caught five passes for 37 yards in the defeat.

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George Pickens credits the defensive scheme for limited numbers against Detroit

Dallas Cowboys v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

George Pickens had a different take on his quiet evening. He attributed his low yardage total to Detroit's coverage approach.

"Flo stepped in," Pickens told Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. "Double me and then Flo had 115, so the game plan still kind of went how it went, just the overall game didn't go our way."

Ryan Flournoy posted career highs with nine receptions, 115 yards and a score. The rookie benefited from the attention Detroit paid to Pickens throughout the contest.

But Pickens accepted the blame for vanishing when Dallas needed him. CeeDee Lamb left in the third quarter with a concussion after racking up six grabs for 121 yards, making Pickens the clear No. 1 option.

"For myself personally, you can't just disappear," Pickens said.

Dallas travels to Minnesota for Week 15.