The NFL is reviewing a late first-quarter incident in Indianapolis involving Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Colts rookie linebacker CJ Allen to determine potential disciplinary action, Yahoo Sports reported.
WOW, Colts get called for a personal foul for this hit to Dak Prescott as he was scrambling with the ball pic.twitter.com/105JCazKev
During the opening quarter with 1:27 remaining, Prescott scrambled for a 2-yard gain at the Indianapolis 35-yard line when Allen delivered a shoulder strike to Prescott’s helmet. The contact drew an immediate unnecessary roughness flag from officials, moving the Cowboys 15 yards forward to the 18-yard line.
This penalty directly influenced the game’s momentum, setting up a touchdown catch by Jake Ferguson on fourth-and-2. The drive gave Dallas a 10-7 lead and helped steer them toward a 27-23 victory, though the win only brings the Cowboys to a 4-5 record.
While the league has not yet announced a decision, the specific rules regarding contact with defenseless players will affect team finances. NFL regulations prohibit forcibly striking a defenseless player’s head or neck using a helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder.
The league operates under a strict-liability standard for these violations. According to the current fine schedule, a first offense for striking a defenseless player carries a $17,911 penalty, while impermissible helmet use results in a $23,882 fine.
For Allen, a rookie selected 53rd overall out of Georgia, these figures represent a meaningful portion of his compensation. The potential $17,911 penalty would account for approximately 2% of his $885,000 base salary.
| Player/Entity | Contract/Salary Detail | Potential Penalty Impact |
|---|---|---|
| CJ Allen (Base Salary) | $885,000 | $17,911 (approx. 2%) |
| CJ Allen (Total Contract) | $9.128 million | N/A |
| Unnecessary Roughness Fine | $17,911 | First offense rate |
| Impermissible Helmet Use | $23,882 | Standard rate |
Allen made his first career start just one week prior to this matchup against Jacksonville. The outcome of the league’s review will depend on whether officials and investigators deem the contact a violation of the specific protections afforded to quarterbacks during scrambling plays.
The Dallas Cowboys will look to build on this win as they prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers at&T Stadium this Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
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