NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Cowboys Incident

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NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Cowboys Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 6:58 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia has been fined for a contentious incident during the team’s Week 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys suffered their third defeat of the season to the Buccaneers in Week 5, losing 24-16 in front of their home crowd at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 8.

This was a deflating loss for Dallas, considering Tampa Bay came in with a depleted roster and a winless 0-4 record.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott tried to carry the offense, completing 24 of 42 passes for 316 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. It wasn’t enough to save Dallas.

To add insult to injury, the league fined Ogbonnia a hefty sum, as announced in the weekly accountability report released Saturday.

The Cowboys DT has been fined for a facemask penalty on Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving at the 9:13 mark of the second quarter.

The 26-year-old, who finished with five total tackles, grabbed Irving’s facemask while attempting a tackle and was immediately flagged.

Under the 2026 NFL rulebook, grasping and controlling, twisting, turning, pushing, or pulling an opponent’s facemask or helmet opening in any direction is prohibited.

After the league reviewed the play, Ogbonnia was found in violation of the facemask rule. The NFL assessed Ogbonnia an $11,111 fine. Its published fine schedule lists $17,911 for a second facemask offense.

Ogbonnia and the Cowboys are looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday. They face the Green Bay Packers in Week 6 at Lambeau Field.

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

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