The Dallas Cowboys are set to start their mandatory minicamp from June 16 through June 18. Wide receiver George Pickens, who has missed the six voluntary OTAs, is expected to appear for the minicamp by the Cowboys team.

“On Monday [June 15], Pickens was in the Cowboys' facility for his physical and will take part in Dallas' three-day minicamp,” per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. 

Though his absence until the recent offseason activities was voluntary and does not incur fines, his attendance at the mandatory minicamp is compulsory, as he has signed the franchise tag ($27.3M).

If Pickens fails to attend the mandatory minicamp, he will face a total fine of $107,911 across all three days, as CBA-prescribed.

With Pickens ready for minicamp, head coach Brian Schottenheimer previously revealed during the OTA sessions that Pickens was 'handling his business' and was 'in a good spot', expressing confidence about his attendance for the minicamp, according to Tommy Yarrish of Dallas Cowboys.com.

Schottenheimer further added during the OTA sessions that the Cowboys are planning to ease the wideout's workload to avoid injuries before training camp begins.

"We'll be smart, but there are plenty of things he can do from the mocks to the walkthroughs to get him back into the system," Schottenheimer said, per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. "It's not because we don't think he's working. We think he's putting in the work, preparing to have a hell of a year." 

Pickens is set to play the 2026 season with the Cowboys under the franchise tag, after his breakout campaign in which he recorded all career highs with receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9) in 2025.

The Cowboys have been clear about their stance on Pickens, showing no interest in trading him or negotiating a long-term extension, even though they have time until July 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET to reach a deal. 

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott also expressed confidence about Pickens' attendance, but emphasized a cautious approach for training to avoid overexerting himself.

Prescott Urges Caution if Pickens Joins Minicamp

Prescott expressed excitement to train with Pickens again after their last throwing session in April, but also expects Pickens to 'protect himself'.

According to Yarrish, Prescott understands Pickens ' situation better, as he has been franchise-tagged twice by the Cowboys.

"Even if he's in, I doubt it's a full, he's going full go, jumping in the team," Prescott said, during the OTA sessions per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. "I would hope not to be honest, just being protected and being smart. Just hope he gets in just to see some of the new guys, meet some of the new guys. I'm sure he'll be here."

Prescott also mirrored the statement of Schottenheimer in taking a cautious approach with the training, due to the risk of injury.

Pickens participation during these mandatory minicamp sessions could help determine the extent of his involvement when training camp begins next month.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi