Lamb and Pickens, Cowboys Stars, Benched at Start of Game

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, on the bench due to the coach’s decision in the Cowboys’ victory

In a surprising move, Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were benched for the first series of Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The decision was made by the coach, Brian Schottenheimer, who informed the players about the disciplinary measure on the same day.

“There were a few things that were overlooked, so I had a conversation with those guys and that was easy,” Schottenheimer commented, without going into detail about what had been omitted. “But you see the energy with which those guys play, they literally fueled the offense when they came back. They didn’t hang their heads, they didn’t do any of that. That’s why I love those guys.”

Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys coach

Lamb returned to the field on the first play of the Cowboys’ second series, while Pickens did so on the second play of that same series. Lamb finished the game with five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. For his part, Pickens tied his personal record with nine receptions, accumulating a total of 144 yards and scoring a 37-yard touchdown thanks to a pass from Dak Prescott. After the game, Lamb avoided giving details about the reason for his initial substitution.

“I’m not going to elaborate on that. Honestly, I won’t. I’m sorry, I won’t,” Lamb stated.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys wide receiver

Pickens also did not offer details about what happened. After his score in the second quarter, Pickens received a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct due to his celebration. Schottenheimer noted that Pickens has an energetic playing style, but the goal is to prevent him from going too far.

Schottenheimer commented on his relationship with Pickens:

“We share a little support. But he’s a guy who’s fun to train with. And the energy you see on the field during the game is the way he approaches practice. And that’s what I love about him.”

Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys coach

Pickens leads the Cowboys in receptions with 58 for 908 yards and seven touchdowns. Lamb has 40 receptions for 557 yards and two touchdowns, although he missed three games due to a sprained ankle.

“Two elite players who complement each other, who feed off each other’s energy,” Prescott said. “One makes a play, the other wants to make a play. Tonight was fun. As I’ve always said, I just try to get the ball out of my hands and give it to these guys, be like a point guard and let them do what they do best. Tonight was a good example of that.”

Dak Prescott, Cowboys quarterback