Even Jerry Jones’ praise couldn’t take the sting out of the franchise tag designation George Pickens received earlier this year. After all, he had managed to go toe-to-toe with the Cowboys’ star receiver. But even then, Jerry Jones had made his expectations clear: “He [Pickens] will have more to give in the plans of what we’re doing early and late in the season.”

And it looks like Jones wasn’t kidding. Amid the Cowboys’ dismal performance six weeks into the season, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has a clear ask of Pickens, and it has nothing to do with his job as a receiver but with a responsibility Pickens has ignored.

“He needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well,” Schottenheimer said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “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.”

We know Pickens can block. At 6-foot-3 and around 200 pounds, he is well equipped to do so. More importantly, it was something teams were actively scouting him for during the 2022 draft. As Chris Pflum wrote in 2022:

“Pickens also stands out as a very good blocking receiver. He plays much stronger than his build would suggest, and is able to sustain his blocks against most defensive backs. Pickens, again, shows great competitive toughness as a blocker and also blocks with technique that should be the envy of some offensive linemen in this draft class.”

Pickens even went as far as to say it was something he brings to the table. “I don’t really say it enough as I should, but blocking really can throw a DB off his game and then we can hit them with the pass. So it’s like a double whammy type thing instead of DB get in the game, he’s like, ‘Work on the technique, work on covering this guy!’ He’s not really ready for the blocking. So I really use it as a one-two combo.”

So why would Schottenheimer make such a public request? Well, the same receiver who had once taken pride in his ability to block had previously shied away from the responsibility. Back in 2023, when he played for the Steelers, Pickens made it clear that fear of injury had kept him from blocking for Jaylen Warren.

“I didn’t want to get injured. When you stay in and block somebody, you can get run on very easily.”

If Pickens were putting up the same amount of yardage as last year, fear of injury could still have justified the lack of blocking. But with 428 yards and a single touchdown, he needs to help out the team wherever he can.

And the Cowboys could use the help. They are already struggling to establish the run game. They are averaging only 76.0 rushing yards per game, and much of that comes from Javonte Williams, who is struggling to break free. The running back has only managed 317 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.

That number may not look like much, but when you compare it with 2025, it puts things into perspective. In 2025, the Cowboys averaged 125.6 yards per game, with Williams averaging 4.8 yards per carry. The drop-off is drastic. That’s why Schottenheimer’s strategy makes a lot of sense.

The lack of rushing yardage and points was apparent last week, when the Cowboys visited Lambeau Field. Amid Dak Prescott’s multiple turnovers, Cowboys writer Nick Eatman highlighted the problem.

“I think we have to start with the commitment to run. That’s the biggest thing coming out of the game last Sunday in Green Bay. The Cowboys ran the ball just 13 times to the running backs, 11 of which to Javonte Williams. The most alarming stat of all was the fact the Cowboys passed the ball 32 straight times, and 40 of the last 41 plays to end the game. And that was coming off the heels of a touchdown run by Williams.”

To his credit, Schottenheimer did mention Pickens would be willing to take on that responsibility. “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 only catch here could be Pickens’ injury. He has already been listed as limited in practice with a shoulder injury, but it looks like Schottenheimer wants to go ahead and try the blocking strategy, especially after previously stating that they need to move Pickens around more.

For a receiver looking to get a mega-money contract at the end of this year, showing that he can block as well as he can help drive the team downfield could be one way to go for Pickens. It would certainly make a difference for the team.

Williams believes the Cowboys can work things out. “It was kinda surprising. I know how good of a team we are, and we’re going to get back on track. We just got to communicate and get balanced.”

We’re going to find out soon enough, when the Cowboys are on the road against the Eagles this week. If Pickens can block for Williams, perhaps we can even see the Cowboys come away with a win.