Dallas Cowboys Facing NFL Punishment After Texans Incident

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Dallas Cowboys Facing NFL Punishment After Texans Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 8:17 PM ET

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Reddy Steward was flagged for unnecessary roughness in their game against the Houston Texans.

On Sunday, the Cowboys improved to 2-2 after a come-from-behind win over the Texans, 34-30, at NRG Stadium.

Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott led the offense, completing 32-of-45 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown.

But Dallas is now awaiting the league’s punishment decision after Steward was called for a personal foul in the third quarter.

The play occurred at the 10:50 mark on second-and-6, when C.J. Stroud found wide receiver Nico Collins on a deep ball to the right for a 22-yard touchdown.

Steward, however, came in late on Collins as the Texans wideout went to the ground for the score. The Cowboys CB made contact with Collins’ head/neck area, partially knocking his helmet off.

The officials flagged unnecessary roughness against Steward. The touchdown stood and an eight-yard penalty against the Cowboys was enforced between downs on the ensuing extra-point attempt.

Houston went up 23-13 after the extra point. However, the Cowboys clawed back in the fourth and outscored the Texans 14-7 to secure the road win.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) with wide receiver Nico Collins (12) prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Steward added four solo tackles against Houston to help them secure the close win. But the 25-year-old Troy product will now need to wait for the league’s decision on whether he will be punished for his actions.

Depending on the outcome of the review, he could face a $17,911 fine for a hit on a defenseless player under the NFL’s 2026 fines schedule. If the NFL determines that Steward launched or impermissibly used his helmet, the listed first-offense fine rises to $23,882. At the same time, the Cowboys CB could also avoid a fine altogether if the league does not see a violation.

Steward and the Cowboys will wait for the NFL’s weekly player accountability update, which is typically released Saturday afternoons.

While the league’s decision hangs in the balance, Steward and Co. will have a quick turnaround for Week 5. They are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday at AT&T Stadium.

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

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