Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Khalil Shakir

Sunday, November 8, 6:39 AM

In a surprising twist, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) will be inactive on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Pickens was once again limited in practice all week, but the expectation was that he would suit up and play through his hamstring injury in Indy. The Cowboys were "hopeful" that the 25-year-old would play in this one, but that will not end up being the case. The good news for the Cowboys is that tight end Jake Ferguson (ankle) is active, and he could be more of an intriguing TE2 streamer for fantasy managers with Pickens officially out. Receiver Ryan Flournoy becomes a plug-and-play fantasy wideout with WR2 upside in a good matchup with the Colts as Dallas' clear No. 2 pass-catcher behind CeeDee Lamb. Pickens, who has been in trade rumors while on the franchise tag in 2026, has been underwhelming compared to his 2025 breakout season and has been in the shadow of Lamb to this point with 39 receptions for 533 yards and two touchdowns on 62 targets through eight weeks. His next chance to return will be in a Week 10 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.