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NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Dak Prescott Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 4:06 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys snapped their three-game losing streak on Christmas Day, improving to 7-8-1 on the 2025 NFL season with a win over Josh Johnson and the Washington Commanders. However, the victory carried little significance, as Dallas had already been eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16.

With 9:06 remaining in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers , Dak Prescott connected with wide receiver Ryan Flournoy for a 13-yard gain. Flournoy went to the turf to secure the catch, then absorbed a dangerous helmet-to-helmet hit from linebacker Denzel Perryman, forcing the wideout to miss the remainder of the game with a potential concussion. Perryman was called for unnecessary roughness, granting the Cowboys 15 yards.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) against the Los Angeles Chargers.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Several Dallas Cowboys offensive linemen rushed in following the illegal hit, confronting Denzel Perryman. Dak Prescott also joined the scrum, exchanging words with the Los Angeles Chargers defender before being pulled back by defensive tackle Teair Tart. Prescott continued jawing briefly before officials stepped in and separated both teams.

The NFL further reviewed the incident between the Cowboys and Chargers and handed down significant discipline. For his illegal hit on Flournoy, Perryman was fined $268,854 and suspended for two games, a penalty that effectively ended his season.

Additional fines could have been issued stemming from the post-play altercation as well, including Tart’s actions on Prescott. Unsportsmanlike conduct, or non-football act, violations carry a $14,491 fine for a first offense, which can increase to $20,288 for a second violation in the same season.

However, despite the near fight after Perryman's hit, the NFL elected not to hand out any additional fines to the Chargers or Cowboys.