CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens Flip Benching Into Statement Performance
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens spark controversy as Cowboys discipline drama unfolds.
Dallas Cowboys fans got a rude awakening to start Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Star wideouts CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were benched for the first offensive series of the night, watching helplessly from the sidelines as the Cowboys' offense flopped with a quick three-and-out.
ESPN's Lisa Salters reported during the broadcast that Lamb and Pickens were sidelined due to "missed" activities, i.e., violating team rules.
By the end of the night, the Cowboys were loving their star receivers.
The duo finally hit the field on the next drive, lining up together for just one play.
It didn't take long for the two receivers to make an impact. By halftime, Pickens scored receiving TDs to put the Cowboys up 24-6.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The focus stayed on Lamb and Pickens, whose benching sparked questions about team discipline under first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer.
After their scores, Schottenheimer went over to Lamb and Pickens for a group hug. They combined for 210 receiving yards and two TDs against the Raiders' pitiful defense. By halftime, the duo already had 156 yards and more than made up for upsetting the Cowboys brass.
This discipline situation wasn't unique to Dallas; it was particularly prevalent across the league this week.
Buffalo Bills wideout Keon Coleman was scratched Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to behavioral issues. New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter sat out snaps after missing walkthroughs. Coaches across the NFL are cracking down.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Cowboys’ Week 11 game was meant to be special for their tributes to late defensive player Marshawn Kneeland, who committed suicide days after Week 9’s loss to Arizona on MNF. Dallas had a bye in Week 10.
Schottenheimer’s move signaled some tough love with two notably hot-headed wideouts, especially Pickens, who grumbled his way out of Pittsburgh before joining Dallas this season to complement Lamb.
No stars get special treatment in Dallas. Just ask Micah Parsons.
Dallas beat Las Vegas, 33-16.
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela