The Dallas Cowboys are offering even more clarity on why CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens did not start against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. After speculation swirled online, executive vice president Stephen Jones and owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation publicly, confirming that the benching stemmed from disciplinary issues tied to missed curfew and a missed team bus ahead of Monday night’s 33-16 victory.
Cowboys Front Office Explains Discipline and Benching Decision
Stephen Jones told Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan on Friday that Pickens missed the team bus before the game, while Lamb was disciplined separately for violating curfew.
“He’s not going to play favorites with anybody,” Stephen said. “He felt very strongly [about] that, that was part of it. I think a lot of people thought they had to be together because they are great friends, but believe it or not, one was of the night before leading into the morning and the other one was missing the buses.”
Lamb confirmed to reporters Thursday that he and Pickens were benched after staying out past the team’s 10 p.m. curfew on Sunday night following dinner and drinks at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa Las Vegas. Lamb also pushed back on rumors circulating online.
“I know how to hold my liquor,” Lamb said, clarifying that he did not get sick the following morning.
After the win, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the players were told ahead of time about the decision but declined to give details.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made his stance clear during a separate interview with The Fan.
“I don’t have any problem with partying, but when we’re rolling in there and we have our special teams meetings, which usually has most of the team, but still, the idea is this is a business trip,” Jerry Jones said.
Despite the brief benching, both players contributed heavily. Pickens delivered 144 yards and a touchdown on nine catches, while Lamb added 66 yards and a touchdown on five receptions.
Lamb, Pickens, and Schottenheimer Respond After Win and Disciplinary Action
Pickens initially told CBS Sports the Cowboys opened with run-focused personnel to “exploit” the Raiders’ defense, but when told Schottenheimer said he missed things, he kept the matter private.
“That’s just between me and Schotty honestly,” Pickens said Monday.
Pickens also emphasized his relationship with the coaching staff remains strong. Schottenheimer hugged both receivers after Lamb scored the first touchdown of the night.
“I think we’re still getting even closer and closer,” Pickens said. “We were close before, and I feel now we’re getting even closer. Definitely with the types of plays and play calling. The stuff that he brings to the table, definitely a huge factor.”
Schottenheimer expressed support for both wideouts, especially with Pickens approaching the end of his rookie contract.
“Sign me up. I mean, what do you say? Those two guys, I just love their relationship, man. I love the firepower that they give us,” Schottenheimer said Tuesday. “Some games it’s both of them, some games it’s one of them… I’m very in favor of George having a long-term future with us.”
The Cowboys improved to 8–3 with the win and now prepare for a major divisional showdown. They take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3:25 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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