Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment for Justin Jefferson, Cowboys Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 4:07 PM ET

Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings secured a second straight win in Week 15, jumping to 6-8 on the 2025 NFL season after a 34-26 win on the road against CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys. While quarterback J.J. McCarthy had one of his better games of the year, Jefferson continued to struggle, securing just two catches for 22 yards.

With 3:07 remaining in the second quarter, Minnesota running back Aaron Jones ran up the middle for a gain of seven yards. However, away from the play, Jefferson and Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson began a shoving match, taking turns pushing each other before Carson landed a punch on Jefferson's facemask. The two continued at it for a little while before they were separated.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (21) battle during the first halfKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The officials threw a flag on Carson for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving Minnesota a free 10 yards. And after reviewing his hit on Jefferson, the NFL announced Saturday that Carson has been fined $5,686.

Normally, the NFL fines players up to $12,172 for a first "striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing" offense, which can increase to $17,968 upon a second offense. Through Week 14, the league had handed out 28 fines for similar offenses, totaling $1,395,851.

This would not be the first time a Cowboys player has been fined for striking an opponent this season. In Week 1 against the New York Giants, left tackle Tyler Guyton was charged $12,172 for the same violation. And in Week 5 against the New York Jets, cornerback Trevon Diggs was fined the same amount. This also marks Carson's first fine of his career.

Justin Jefferson and Caelen Carson from the Cowboys start throwing punches mid play #Vikings #SNF pic.twitter.com/cnmptQER0b
— Aggregate Sports (@AggregateSports) December 15, 2025

Jefferson and the Vikings will be back in action in Week 16, eyeing a third-consecutive win as they hit the road to face Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants.

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

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