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The NFL has announced its punishment decision for multiple Dallas Cowboys players ahead of their Christmas game against the Commanders.
The Dallas Cowboys won’t be in the playoffs for the 2025-26 season, but they still have a reason to give it their all against the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. At this point, the Cowboys are playing for pride, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The Cowboys have a 6-8-1 record heading into the game, while the Commanders are 4-11, so Washington is also out of the postseason. Even though there are no playoff stakes in this game, Christmas Day sporting events are always fun and festive, so it will make for an interesting watch.
But, before the game, the NFL has announced a punishment decision for two Cowboys players for actions they took during the team’s Week 15 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 14. So, these two players will have to pay the price for what they did against Minnesota.
Every week during the season, the NFL hands down punishments to players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Before the season starts, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.
Dallas Cowboys Players in Trouble With the NFL
On Saturday, December 20, the NFL announced that they’re fining Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson $5,686 for “unnecessary roughness” and “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing” at the 3:07 mark in the second quarter of the team’s game against the Vikings. On top of that, they’re also fining cornerback Reddy Steward $4,667 for “unnecessary roughness” and a “horse-collar tackle” for his actions at the 3:08 mark in the first quarter of the showdown.
So, it wasn’t a great day for cornerbacks from the Cowboys getting in trouble with the league. But, the good news is that according to the NFL, the funds raised from those fines will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Jerry Jones Talks Dallas Cowboys Loss and Management
The Dallas Cowboys dropped their third straight game on Sunday, December 21, against the Los Angeles Chargers, and then, they were officially eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday evening after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Commanders.
So, the Cowboys have just two regular games left, and it’s time for them to look back and reflect on the season.
After the game, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was a big man and took responsibility for how the team has struggled over the years, at least with the roster. He was humble but positive about the future of the team.
“I’ll admit that the Cowboys management has played a big role [in the 30-year Super Bowl drought],” Jones said after the loss, according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports. “But seriously, I’m very disappointed that the way we’re structured and my role puts us here tonight. I’m tremendously disappointed.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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