Cowboys’ Pickens Benched After Missing Team Bus Before Game

The Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver George Pickens faced disciplinary measures for missing the team bus prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17, 2025. This incident resulted in Pickens being benched for the first series of the match, alongside teammate CeeDee Lamb, who was present on a different bus.

According to Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ co-owner and COO, Pickens was not on the second of two buses transporting players to Allegiant Stadium. While Lamb made it to the game, the specifics of how Pickens arrived remain unclear. In an interview with 105.3 The Fan, Jones emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “He’s not going to play favorites with anybody.”

The decision to bench Pickens is notable, as he has been the leading receiver for the Cowboys this season. His absence from the initial series highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining discipline. This marks the first time team officials have publicly acknowledged a disciplinary action concerning Pickens, who has faced criticism for being late to multiple team meetings throughout the season.

During the game, Lamb recorded five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Pickens tallied nine catches for 144 yards and also scored a touchdown. However, his performance was marred by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for celebrating a touchdown by jumping onto the goalpost. This penalty was not an isolated incident; it was the second consecutive game in which Pickens received such a penalty, bringing his total to four accepted penalties this season, tying him for third among NFL wide receivers.

Despite these off-the-field issues, Pickens remains a key player for the Cowboys, ranking second in the league for receiving yards and tied for third in touchdowns. Team officials have indicated their willingness to negotiate a long-term contract with him when he becomes a free agent in the spring of 2026.

In a separate interview, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed concerns about players’ behavior the night before games. He stated, “I don’t have any problem with partying, but when we’re rolling in there and we have our special teams meetings… the idea is this is a business trip.” This comment reflects the team’s dedication to professionalism, especially in high-stakes situations.

The Cowboys continue to navigate the delicate balance of player discipline and performance as they strive for success in the current NFL season. With both Pickens and Lamb contributing significantly to the team’s offensive strategy, their ability to maintain focus off the field will be critical as the season progresses.