Home / Sports / Cowboys Bench Star Receivers in Surprise Move
Cowboys Bench Star Receivers in Surprise Move
18 Nov
Summary
- Cowboys bench top receivers Lamb and Pickens for first drive
- Reason for benching not specified by team
- Lamb and Pickens return for second drive
On November 18, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders in a highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup. However, the game got off to an unexpected start as the Cowboys surprisingly benched two of their top receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, for the entirety of their first offensive series.
A Cowboys spokesperson later informed ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters that the decision to sideline Lamb and Pickens was a "coach's decision" and not due to any injury. The team did not provide further details on what prompted the unusual move.
The Cowboys' opening drive was short-lived, as they gained just 6 yards on their first three plays before punting the ball away. Lamb and Pickens returned for the team's second possession, but that drive also ended quickly with a strip-sack of quarterback Dak Prescott by Raiders Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Despite the surprising benching, Lamb and Pickens remain two of the Cowboys' most valuable offensive weapons. Pickens currently leads the team with 49 receptions for 764 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Lamb, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 491 receiving yards this season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to hear from Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer about the reasoning behind the unexpected decision to sit the star receivers.
