Published: 04:17 GMT, 18 November 2025 | Updated: 04:17 GMT, 18 November 2025
[Dallas Cowboys](/sport/dallas-cowboys/index.html) star George Pickens was seen reacting furiously to the team's decision to bench him for the start of their game against the Raiders.
In bizarre scenes, wide receivers Pickens and CeeDee Lamb were both off the field for the Cowboys' opening series of the Monday Night Football showdown.
A Cowboys spokesperson revealed to ESPN that the duo missed the first series due to a coaches decision, after the two receivers 'missed some things' in the lead-up.
It's clear that Pickens did not agree with the decision, with one viral clip showing the 24-year-old passionately arguing with one of the Cowboys coaches.
With Pickens and Lamb benched, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin played at receiver - even when Dallas faced a third down to open the game.
The Cowboys went three-and-out, gaining 6 yards all on rushes by Javonte Williams - before both Pickens and Lamb were brought onto the field for their second series.
Cowboys star George Pickens exploded at the coaching staff during Monday Night Football
Pickens and CeeDee Lamb (right) were both benched for the Cowboys' opening series
The punishment seemingly invigorated the duo, who quickly stamped their mark on the Monday Night Football showdown at Allegiant Stadium.
Early in the second quarter, Lamb recorded an 18-yard touchdown reception, before Pickens added a 37-yard touchdown catch later in the quarter.
Evidently, there were no hard feelings between the two wide receivers and the Dallas coaching staff, after they were seen celebrating with Brian Schottenheimer.
After Lamb's touchdown, Schottenheimer was seen running over to Pickens and Lamb and giving them a big hug, while the pair smiled and patted him on the back.
The Monday Night Football showdown marked the Cowboys' first NFL game since the tragic death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
Kneeland [died by apparent suicide](/sport/nfl/article-15265717/dallas-cowboys-marshawn-kneeland-dies-24.html) at the age of 24 on November 6th, roughly 48 hours after he scored his first NFL touchdown for the Cowboys.
Prior to the game, they honored Kneeland with a number of touching tributes.
During their warm-ups at Allegiant Stadium, the Cowboys players were seen wearing custom tribute t-shirts with Kneeland's face on the front.
After being brought into the action, both Pickens and Lamb scored touchdowns for Dallas
The duo were then seen hugging head coach Brian Schottenheimer in celebration
The Cowboys players also had Kneeland's number, 94, on their helmets, in another form of commemoration for the defensive end.
In their own tribute, the Raiders players wore custom t-shirts which had Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number, 988, written on the back.
Meanwhile, before kick-off, a moment of silence was held while a tribute video for Kneeland was shown on screen which was perfectly observed by attendees.
The Cowboys also had a locker for Kneeland at the Allegiant Stadium, which had his jersey hanging up.