Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Dak Prescott Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 7:15 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys improved to 3-3-1 on the 2025 NFL season with a 44-22 win over Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Prescott welcomed back his top receiver, CeeDee Lamb, after a four-game absence due to injury and finished the night completing 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

With 46 seconds left in the first quarter, Prescott was sacked by Commanders defensive end Jacob Martin for an eight-yard loss. However, as Martin brought him down, he grabbed under Prescott’s facemask, ripping off the quarterback’s helmet in the process. Officials threw a flag, and Dallas was awarded a free 15 yards and a first down.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles against the Washington CommandersKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

In the NFL, players are typically fined up to $17,389 for a first roughing-the-passer offense, particularly if the hit targets the quarterback’s head or neck area. The fine increases to $23,186 for a second violation. Fortunately for Martin, he avoided a hefty penalty despite officials flagging him for his hit on Prescott.

No Washington players received fines for their actions in Week 7, but four Cowboys players did. Wide receiver George Pickens ($11,593) and center Brock Hoffman ($6,111) were fined for taunting, while running back Javonte Williams ($16,830) and safety Donovan Wilson ($23,186) were penalized for an illegal “use of the helmet.”

Commanders get called for a roughing the passer penalty on Dak Prescott pic.twitter.com/uAdrAYCM2J
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 19, 2025

Only one player was fined in Week 7 for an illegal hit on a quarterback. That honor goes to Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. In total, 23 fines were handed out on 2,428 total plays, good for 0.95% of all snaps.

Up next for Prescott and the Cowboys, a Week 8 away battle with Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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

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