NFL Facing Punishment Decision on CeeDee Lamb Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 7:42 AM ET

CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes came crashing down on Sunday following a disappointing 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys needed to win that game after suffering a defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 14, but they came up short and are now headed to their second straight season without making the playoffs.

Lamb played his part for the Cowboys on Sunday, though. The All-Pro wide receiver caught six catches from quarterback Dak Prescott for a game-high 111 receiving yards. Lamb did not score a touchdown against the Vikings, but it was his third straight 100-yard game.

Lamb, however, was involved in a contentious incident early in the game — one that will now require an investigation from the NFL for potential punishment.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) looks up at the scoreboard during an NFL game.Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The Cowboys fell to 6-7-1 after Sunday’s loss and are now officially out of playoff contention. Their chances of securing a postseason berth were already considerably low heading into their matchup against the Vikings, and the loss officially sealed their fate.

Lamb was a bright spot in the Cowboys’ latest defeat. This has been the case for the better part of the season for the four-time Pro Bowler. In 11 games played thus far, Lamb has produced 63 receptions for 976 yards and three touchdowns.

On Sunday, Lamb found himself on the receiving end of an illegal move by Minnesota defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez. As Lamb attempted to move the ball forward, he was brought down by a trio of Vikings players, including Rodriguez, who grabbed onto Lamb’s facemask as the Cowboys star went down.

The referees called a personal foul on Rodriguez for a facemask infraction, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

Levi Drake Rodriguez facemask penalty on CeeDee Lamb pic.twitter.com/xdMNkYNRhf
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) December 17, 2025

The NFL Officiating Department will now review this incident for a potential fine. According to the NFL rulebook, a facemask violation is eligible for a fine of $11,593 for a first offense and $17,389 for a second.

Rodriguez, who has not received a fine throughout his two-year NFL career, will now need to wait for the NFL’s decision on this incident. Any potential punishment will be announced via the gameday accountability report on Saturday.

As for Lamb and the Cowboys, they will be back in action on Sunday at home at AT&T Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 6-8 Vikings, on the other hand, will face the New York Giants in Week 16.

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

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