In what was maybe the worst game of CeeDee Lamb's NFL career, George Pickens stepped up and carried the Dallas Cowboys to one of the most improbable wins in franchise history after they trailed the Philadelphia Eagles 21-0 early in the second quarter.
Of course, Pickens isn't the only player who rose to the occasion. But Pickens was integral to the comeback and then helped seal the win with a 24-yard catch and run with 45 seconds left in regulation, which is pretty poetic considering Dallas ended up winning 24-21.
It wasn't a sure thing that Pickens would be on the field in crunch time, however. He left the game briefly in the third quarter after trying to reel in a jump ball along the sideline. He missed several plays before returning. Thankfully, though, he quelled any and all concerns after the game when reporters spotted him with a wrap on his lower left leg.
Cowboys catch a huge break with George Pickens' injury vs. the Eagles
"Just a little contusion, like a bruise. It’s not too bad," Pickens said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
And with that, the entire Cowboys fan base can breathe a sigh of relief.
While Pickens' injury didn't appear serious in real time, players returning mid-game can often be misleading. A lot of the time, they are running on sheer adrenaline. It usually isn't until after the game when the adrenaline wears off and swelling ramps up that a clearer picture is formed.
Pickens will undoubtedly be sore for the next few days, and it's not ideal that the Cowboys have a short week against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving. But with a little rest and rehab, he will be just fine for what is another massive game for Dallas.
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Cowboys fans haven't seen the offense function without Pickens in the lineup. That is not something anyone wants to experience anytime soon.
While CeeDee Lamb is one of the best WRs in the business, he is low on confidence right now after a three-drop game on Sunday. Beyond that, the offense has run through Pickens for several weeks now. He's been the most important player on that side of the ball.
The Cowboys can only afford to lose one more game the rest of the way. Losing Pickens for any period of time would be a death knell to their season. Fortunately, it will take a lot more than a bone bruise to keep No. 3 on the sidelines.