What happened: Werder noted that publicly faulting a player is out of character for Schottenheimer after his recent shift in tone. Former Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant countered that the offense only turns to Pickens in high-leverage situations because of his contract.

Why it matters: Public friction between the coaching staff and Pickens follows an offseason in which the receiver skipped voluntary OTAs in June before being limited to individual work at mandatory minicamp. The Los Angeles Rams have also explored the wide receiver market with Pickens floated as a potential target, even as owner Jerry Jones maintains Dallas will buy ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

What to watch: How Pickens responds on the field will be tested Sunday when Dallas hosts the Arizona Cardinals.