George Pickens limited again Thursday with hamstring

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was limited in Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury, Underdog NFL reported and NBC Sports confirmed from Nick Harris. Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams also listed Pickens among the players who remained limited on Thursday's report as Dallas prepares for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Pickens was limited Wednesday as well after playing through shoulder and hamstring issues last week. He caught 2 passes for 48 yards on 4 targets in Sunday's overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals while working a reduced snap share. Over the first six weeks he typically played 55 to 60 offensive snaps; the last two games dropped to 41 and 42, beat writer Jon Machota noted. The shoulder designation is off this week's report, leaving the hamstring as the active tag.

Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams told reporters Thursday that Pickens has been banged up for a couple of weeks and that the staff has limited him in practice and in games because of it. Adams said that is why Ryan Flournoy has seen more snaps, not a role demotion. Coach Brian Schottenheimer has separately said getting Pickens the ball earlier remains a daily focus and that taking him off the field for blocking reasons would be poor coaching. Owner Jerry Jones also said this week that Pickens needs more targets.

For RSO owners, keep Pickens in starting lineups for Week 9 at Indianapolis unless Friday's report flips to out or doubtful. A second limited session is a monitor, not a bench order, given that he played through the same hamstring last Sunday and the coaching staff is still talking about expanding his touches. Flournoy is the depth piece if Pickens is capped again or sits. CeeDee Lamb remains the clear WR1; plan Pickens as a high-end WR2/flex with a small snap-count risk baked in.

What to watch next: Friday's final injury report and any questionable or doubtful tag before kickoff in Indianapolis. A full session Friday would clear most concern. Another limited day with a game designation would force a closer look at Flournoy and your bench receivers.