Cowboys Make Unexpected Move After NFL’s Punishment Decision

Kirby Lee - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cowboys Make Unexpected Move After NFL’s Punishment Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Sep 25, 2026 4:27 PM ET

Jake Ferguson and the Dallas Cowboys are coming off a convincing 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday for their first win of the 2026 NFL regular season. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and rookie sensation Jaishawn Barham both had a tackle for loss, along with linebacker Dee Winters. Winters finished with nine total tackles, tying rookie safety Caleb Downs for a team-high.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams had the offense humming, with quarterback Dak Prescott completing 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four passing touchdowns. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ended with game highs of eight receptions for 153 yards and tied Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs and teammate tight end Jake Ferguson with two touchdowns.

Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

For Ferguson, the fifth-year pro has been a consistent producer for Dallas since entering the league. The former No. 129 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft has tallied 237 catches for 2,078 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in his career, all with the Cowboys. Team president, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has to be pleased with the production of the 6-foot-5 tight end.

Recently, the 27-year-old committed a rule violation that Jones has to be displeased with. On Friday, Dallas News’ Calvin Watkins went to the social media website X to report on the incident that led to the fine. During a press conference, Ferguson was fined for mimicking shotgunning a beer. The backdrop for the press conference was adorned with the Miller Lite insignia, potentially being the inspiration for Ferguson to mimic the act.

“Jake Ferguson was fined for mimicking shotgunning a beer,” Watkins wrote on X. “Cowboys backdrop for news conference in Rio is Miller Lite.”

Jake Ferguson was fined for mimicking shotgunning a beer. Cowboys backdrop for news conference in Rio is MillerLite. pic.twitter.com/dOsZGCS1YY
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) September 25, 2026

Dallas will face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, with coverage on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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