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Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones explained why star wide receiver George Pickens was actually benched in the team's series opener win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
CeeDee Lamb was also benched for the first series and told reporters that he and Pickens missed the team's 10 pm curfew on Sunday after dinner and drinks. However, Jones said Pickens was benched for another reason.
“(Head coach Brian Schottenheimer) is not going to play favorites with anyone,” Jones said. 105.3 Fan on Friday.
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George Pickens (3) of the Dallas Cowboys watches his team's 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 17, 2025. (Ian Mol/Getty Images)
“He felt very strongly [about] that was part of it. “I think a lot of people thought they should be together because they're great friends, but believe it or not, one of them was there the morning before and the other missed the buses.”
Although both Lamb and Pickens did not play in the first series, they both had outstanding performances in the team's 33-16 win on Monday. Pickens had nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, while Lamb had five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
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George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Mol/Getty Images)
The pair formed one of the best receiver duos in the world. NFL when they are on the field together.
Lamb has missed three games with injury this season, and Pickens has stepped up and become a reliable target for the team. Dak Prescott. In seven games this season, Lamb has 40 catches for 557 yards and two touchdowns.
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Pickens, in his first season with the Cowboys after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers, had 58 catches for 908 yards and seven touchdowns.
The star wide receiver duo will look to keep the momentum going when the Cowboys (4-5-1) take the field. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) on Sunday at 4:25 pm ET.
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