George Pickens was benched for the first Dallas Cowboys drive against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday night. After that, he had one of the biggest games of his career.
Pickens had a season-high nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown in the 33-16 win over the Raiders.
Pickens and fellow receiver Ceedee Lamb were held out of the first Cowboys drive due to a coaching decision. While Dallas stalled out on that drive, the offense went on to score four touchdowns through the air on the night, which included Pickens’ 37-yard catch-and-run score.
In his first season with Dallas, Pickens has lit it up as a crucial part one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses.
MORE: Cowboys rout Raiders in first game since Marshawn Kneeland’s passing
Pickens had one of the best games of his career against Las Vegas
Pickens didn’t match his career-high in receiving yards, which is 195, but he was close. It was the receiver’s third game this season with 100-plus yards.
Pickens now has 49 receptions for 764 yards and six touchdowns on the season.
MORE: Dallas’ updated NFC wild-card chances after Week 11 win
Pickens was held out of the game for the first Cowboys drive, then followed it up with a six-catch, 101-yard first half, putting the cherry on top for the Dallas offense with a 37-yard score.
Nice catch and run for a 37-yard George Pickens touchdown!
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To start the second half, Pickens picked up right where he left off. On the Cowboys’ first drive of the half, Pickens had three receptions of 10-plus yards as Dallas took a 31-9 lead on its fourth straight touchdown drive.
George Pickens breaking tackle after tackle
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Pickens even had an unconventional play — recovering an onside punt.
Raiders try an onside kick with a punt
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Pickens put up 144 yards on nine receptions on the night as the Cowboys advanced to 4-5-1 and kept their playoff hopes alive.
MORE: Dak Prescott throws four touchdowns in blowout win over Raiders
Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.