CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens MNF first series absence was punishment for casino trip in Las Vegas

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb and Dallas teammate George Pickens were absent from the team’s first drive during Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders. Amid rumors swirling on social media, Lamb has since revealed the real reason why they didn’t play during the opening series.

“Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb told reporters that he and George Pickens were out after curfew Sunday night at Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas.” Cowboys beat reporter Jon Machota wrote on social media. “Lamb said he was not throwing up, like some said on social media. Lamb and Pickens were disciplined by having to sit out the first series Monday night.”

Both wideouts were unwilling to provide context to their absence on Monday. Lamb was interviewed at his locker after the game and pressed on the matter and said that he’s “not going in-depth with that.”

At the same time, Pickens’ answer dodged the situation entirely and added a bit of humor to boot. He alluded to the Cowboys focusing possibly shifting focus to the run game during the opening drive.

The Cowboys’ decision to sit out their top receivers was initially described as a coaches decision for an unknown reason. However, the two ended up taking the field on the second series and had a major impact on the eventual 33-16 win over the Raiders.

Pickens eventually caught nine of his 11 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown during the win. Meanwhile, Lamb had five catches for 66 yards. Both Dallas wide receivers score one touchdown a piece.

With the real reason for their initial absence now being revealed, it doesn’t appear to have impacted their performance during the win. Both continue to be major contributors to Dallas’ offensive efforts this season.

Pickens, acquired this past offseason from the Pittsburgh Steelers, entered Monday’s game fifth in the NFL in receiving. He has hauled in a team-leading 49 passes for 764 yards and six touchdowns. Lamb, meanwhile, has appeared in just six games, sidelined earlier this season with a high ankle sprain. He has 35 receptions for 491 yards and one score coming into the matchup.

The victory improves the Cowboys to 4-5-1 on the season. Dallas has a chance to get back to .500 next Sunday at home vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.