The Dallas Cowboys opened their Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football with a quick three-and-out on offense. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were both shockingly on the bench for all three plays. Jerry Jones explained why during an interview on the following morning.
Jerry Jones Explains Why Cowboys Benched CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
Many watching MNF in Week 11 were shocked to see Lamb and Pickens on the bench for the Cowboys’ opening offensive drive. No indication was provided before the game that either of them were dealing with an injury or any other situation. Even the broadcasters were left only to speculate why they weren’t in the game, but Jones provided some clarity on Tuesday morning when he appeared on “The Fan” for an interview.
According to Jon Machota, who covers the team for “The Athletic,” the wide receiver duo was being punished for an “in-house issue” that “had to do with meeting type discipline” and that they “had a late problem there.” He was apparently somewhat indirect, but it sounds as though they may have been late to a mandatory meeting or some other required responsibility.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb didn’t start Monday night because of an “in-house issue” that “had to do with meeting type discipline” and that they “had a late problem there.” https://t.co/DeCSWW99FN
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 18, 2025
It was initially unclear if they would be allowed to get back into the game at all after unexpectedly sitting on the bench for the first drive, but both of them were back out there the next time that the Cowboys got the ball back again. They essentially dominated from that point forward and heavily contributed to their 33-16 victory.
Lamb and Pickens combined to record 14 receptions for 210 yards against the Raiders’ defense and both of them scored a touchdown. They accounted for more than three-quarters of Dak Prescott’s 268 passing yards and half of his touchdown passes. Ryan Flournoy and Jake Ferguson accounted for the other two.
The wide receiver duo has been one of the best in the NFL this season and have fueled a dominant offense all year long. Pickens currently ranks third in PFSN’s Impact Rankings and Lamb comes in at 13th. They are one of just four teams to have two players ranked inside of the top 20 for the position.
Their performances contributed to the Cowboys improving their record to 4-5-1 this year, but they still have plenty of work to do if they are going to get back to the playoffs. They have just the tenth-best record in the NFC and will also have to navigate a difficult upcoming schedule.
