NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson

Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Sep 25, 2026 11:39 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys earned their first victory of the season on Sunday when they took down the Washington Commanders 37-20. Quarterback Dak Prescott had a phenomenal day, throwing for 279 yards and four touchdowns. Two of those went to star wideout CeeDee Lamb and the other two went to tight end Jake Ferguson.

Ferguson hauled in four receptions for 43 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. The 27-year-old has emerged as one of Prescott’s most reliable targets in the passing game since he came into the league in 2022. Last year, Ferguson caught 82 passes for 600 yards and eight scores.

Although he had a great day, Ferguson was involved in a controversial incident early in the game.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) catches a ten-yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Dak Prescott against the Washington Commanders.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

In the second quarter, Ferguson caught his first touchdown, a 10-yard pass from Prescott, that put Dallas up by two scores. After making the catch, Ferguson celebrated in the end zone in a way the NFL deemed to be punishable.

“Another round: Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson was fined $13,611 for what the NFL said was his “imitation of shotgunning a beer” Sunday vs. Washington that “constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste,” ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said.

Another round: Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson was fined $13,611 for what the NFL said was his “imitation of shotgunning a beer” Sunday vs. Washington that “constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably could be construed as being in poor taste.” pic.twitter.com/VB8sp2zu07
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2026

This fine from the NFL was the second in two days for players “imitating shotgunning a beer,” as San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was also punished for doing the same thing.

Early into the 2026 season, it seems the NFL is cracking down on player celebrations.

Ferguson and the Cowboys will be back on the field on Sunday when they take on the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.

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

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