George Pickens did not start the first offensive series on Monday because he missed the team bus before the Raiders game. The benching, paired with a curfew lapse for CeeDee Lamb, turned into an immediate disciplinary matter. Coaches treated it the same way they handle any missed meeting: rules first, discussion later. The sequence of events is now precise, and it matters for how the Cowboys manage star players on the road.
Later, Jerry Jones revealed the real reason: “He’s not going to play favorites with anybody.” He felt very strongly about that; that was part of it. I think many people thought they had to be together because they are great friends, but believe it or not, one was missing the bus the night before, leading into the morning, and the other was missing the bus as well. I don’t have any problem with partying, but when we’re rolling in there and we have our special teams meetings, which usually have most of the team, but still, the idea is this is a business trip.”
George Pickens missed the team bus to Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading to him getting benched, executive vice president Stephen Jones told Dallas' 105.3 The Fan on Friday.https://t.co/SsnZSe0MFo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2025
How George Pickens’ Missed Bus and Curfew Mix-Up Led to a Statement Win in Las Vegas
Dallas Cowboys, George Pickens, NFL
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) walks off the field against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dallas kept discipline tight and then let football decide the rest. Team staff say Pickens missed the bus to Allegiant Stadium after an evening that included dinner and drinks at Red Rock Casino. Later, CeeDee Lamb, who was also benched, told reporters that he and Pickens were benched for missing the team’s 10 p.m. curfew Sunday night after having dinner and drinks at a casino. That opened the game with a three-and-out for Dallas, but it did not derail the plan.
The Cowboys shifted into damage control and execution mode. Early mistakes faded as plays got sharper. Though Prescott tossed four TDs, it was his calm throws late that steadied things after halftime. Pickens came back, hauled in nine grabs from 11 tries – gained 144 yards plus a score – with raw power shaking defenders post-catch, hitting his personal best again. Lamb chipped in five receptions for 66 and a touchdown, stretching the defense so Dallas could attack deeper routes without predictability.
Defensively, Dallas forced a couple of turnovers and made timely stops that flipped the momentum. Special teams helped with field position. The Athletic noted that the team steadied itself after the early hiccup and methodically grew its lead. In short, discipline sent a message, and performance erased the distraction.
This was not about punishment for punishment’s sake. It was about standards on a business trip and the importance of accountability during meetings. The Cowboys handled the moment, got their starters involved, and finished with a 33-16 win that proved the point.