The Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants his wide receiver to improve his run blocking and contribute more to the team’s running game.
Schottenheimer said George Pickens must block safeties and cornerbacks to help create opportunities for the Cowboys’ running backs.
Cowboys HC pushes for better run blocking
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants George Pickens to contribute more to the running game. He expects the wide receiver to block opposing safeties and cornerbacks rather than focus only on catching passes, helping the Cowboys’ running backs gain opportunities on the ground. As the Cowboys consider adding new players to their roster, Schottenheimer also wants Pickens to meet his blocking responsibilities.
Schottenheimer compared Pickens’ blocking role to Javonte Williams’ work in pass protection. Williams blocks blitzing defenders to give quarterback Dak Prescott time to throw, and Schottenheimer wants Pickens to take responsibility for his blocking assignments during running plays as well.
“He needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well. He’s got to do the same thing in the run game, picking up safeties and blocking corners, just like Javonte (Williams) does, picking up blitzes so he can catch balls,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said.
And added that: “That’s part of the team-first mindset, and GP does understand that. When he’s going, they’re going to play soft inside. When he’s not going then the safeties get pretty good runs at our backs. And that’s got to improve.”
The Cowboys lost 23–13 to the Green Bay Packers on October 18, finishing with 48 rushing yards, their lowest total of the 2026 season. Williams scored a touchdown, but Dallas struggled to establish its running game throughout the matchup.
Pressure from the Packers’ defense forced the Cowboys to change several planned running plays into passing plays. Prescott attempted 54 passes as Dallas relied heavily on its passing attack. The Cowboys generated little success on the ground throughout the game.
Pickens recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during the 2025 season. Through the first six games of 2026, he had 33 receptions for 428 yards and one touchdown. The statistics reflect his work as a receiver, while Schottenheimer focused on his blocking role.
Schottenheimer’s comments also brought attention to an incident from Pickens’ time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During a game against the Indianapolis Colts, Pickens faced criticism for not blocking on a running play involving Steelers running back Jaylen Warren.
Pickens explained that he did not want to risk injury while blocking. He also mentioned Tank Dell’s serious injury while attempting a block. The incident drew attention to his effort on plays where he was not the intended receiver.
Schottenheimer said improvement in that area could help Dallas create more space for its ball carriers. He said blocking defensive backs can create additional running lanes.
Following the loss to Green Bay, Dallas holds a 2–4 record. The Cowboys are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles on October 26.
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