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Cowboys-Eagles Game Suspended For Lightning - Here's When It Should Resume

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 10:37 PM ET

It's rare enough that an NFL game gets suspended in the middle of the game due to inclement weather and rarer still that it happens in primetime. But the 2025 NFL season is already breaking new ground in today's Cowboys-Eagles game.

Midway through the third quarter, with the Eagles leading 24-20 and having just regained possession on a Miles Sanders fumble, lightning was detected in the Philadelphia area. As per NFL rules, play was immediately suspended and all players and staff were ordered to go inside.

Fortunately it doesn't look like the game is going to have to be suspended for the entire night. During the suspension broadcast, NBC's Mike Tirico announced that the NFL anticipates resuming the game at 11:15 p.m. ET.

That being said, even if the rain stops, there's still a chance that more lightning could come down. And if any more lightning is spotted before the league anticipates resuming, they will be forced to push it back even further.

Suffice it to say, if the lightning continues over the next few hours, the league may just pull the plug and finish the game some other time.

TOPSHOT - Lightning is seen during a thunderstorm over Montevideo on March 1, 2025. (Photo by Mariana SUAREZ / AFP) (Photo by MARIANA SUAREZ/AFP via Getty Images) MARIANA SUAREZ/Getty Images

Who does it benefit?

It's hard to argue that a delay benefits anyone other than the visiting Cowboys. The longer it takes for the game to resume, the more Eagles fans will head home - either due to their own schedules or sheer concern that the game won't resume tonight.

In addition, the Eagles had literally retaken the momentum after a big fumble recovery that stopped a Dallas Cowboys drive dead in its tracks. The adrenaline and momentum is likely to evaporate whenever play resumes.

Dallas were underdogs heading into this game. Their offense has done a good job of keeping them in it, but their defense needs to step up if they want to spring the upset.

UPDATE: Tirico has now said that the game could resume at 11:30.

"Game could resume about 11:30, per NBC’s (Mike Tirico), ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote.