NFL Facing Punishment Decision on Dak Prescott Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 4:57 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys came into Sunday's 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers knowing they were already eliminated from contention for the 2025 NFL playoffs. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was still fired up to go to battle with his teammates.

In the loss, Prescott completed 21-of-30 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Once Dallas fell behind by three scores in the fourth quarter, he was replaced by backup quarterback Joe Milton III for the final two possessions.

One of Prescott's completions in the first half went to Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, who got hit late by Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman. It sparked a strong reaction from Prescott and his Cowboys teammates — and it may result in a fine for Perryman in the coming days.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and tight end Jake Ferguson (87).Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Perryman was flagged for unnecessary roughness after hitting Flournoy while he was on the ground. Dallas accepted the 15-yard penalty on the play.

Multiple Cowboys offensive lineman came to their teammate's defense, with Prescott joining the fray and eventually having a word with Perryman himself.

Fight almost breaks out between the Chargers and Cowboys pic.twitter.com/PeU6VEbKf0
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 21, 2025

According to NFL player safety rules, late hits are subject to fines of up to $11,593 for a first offense or $17,389 for a second offense.

The Chargers veteran appeared to be making sure Flournoy was down by contact, but ultimately it will be up to the NFL to decide if Perryman's infraction was worthy of a fine for unnecessary roughness.

The league's decision will be made public next Saturday in the weekly gameday accountability report. In Week 14, Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt was punished for a late hit for jumping on a pile against the Baltimore Ravens.

Perryman has not been fined this season, but it is worth mentioning that he received a three-game suspension in 2023 for repeated impermissible use of the helmet violations, which also fall under the NFL's player safety rules.

The Chargers will keep their playoff push going in Week 17 against Perryman's former team, the Houston Texans. Prescott and the Cowboys play next on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders.

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

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