In the NFL, a single punch can cost more than just yardage; for Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson, it could cost him over $12,000. Things got heated during the second quarter of the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings Week 15 game. And star receiver Justin Jefferson was caught in the center of it.

Both players were involved in a heated struggle at the 3:07 mark in the second quarter, on 1st & 10 play at Dallas 21. Carson threw a punch at Jefferson, who tried to fight back before the Cowboys’ safety Markquese Bell saw them, ran, and stopped Carson. But the referee spotted and flagged the play.

The Cowboys incurred a 10-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness, setting up a 1st & 10 play at the Dallas 11-yard line.

As per the NFL’s rulebook, throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made, is unsportsmanlike conduct.

The league could fine a player $12,172 for the first offense for striking, kicking, tripping, and kneeing under player safety rules. It jumps to $17,968 on the second offense. The league has fined many players this season for such violations.

For instance, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey punched back at the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who spat on him in November. The league took action on Ramsey and fined him $14,491. However, the NFL will investigate the Justin Jefferson-Caelen Carson incident before making any decision.

Whether the league decides to fine Carson or not will be revealed through the NFL’s GameDay Accountability report on Saturday.

Earlier in the season, the Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was fined $12,172 for punching the Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne in the Week 10 game. However, in both cases, the league suspended Chase and Payne for one game for instigating the rival players.

While many fans wanted ‘America’s Team’ to bench Carson, they kept playing him even after wide receiver Jordan Addison outpaced him on a crucial play.

Justin Jefferson’s teammate hands a reality check to the Cowboys

Before the Vikings’ matchup, everyone was curious to see if they would play the cornerback Trevon Diggs. But head coach Brian Schottenheimer clearly said that they need total confidence in his full health. So, the Cowboys were playing with a depleted defense.

At the 12:08 mark in the second quarter, on a 3rd & 8 play at the Minnesota 38-yard line, quarterback JJ McCarthy threw the ball deep. Carson was covering Addison, but he couldn’t stay focused.

It gave the receiver plenty of time to run ahead towards the end zone. He caught the ball on the run and kept marching forward. While Carson caught him from behind, Addison’s 58-yard play set them up for a 1st & goal play, which the Vikes later converted into a touchdown.

Carson has played six games in the 2025 season and recorded 8 tackles (seven solo) and two defended passes. However, Justin Jefferson is a popular player in the league. So, the issue here is the reputation of the league. Roger Goodell & Co. want to eliminate unnecessary violence from the game and make it safe for young children to watch and enjoy.

Well, they can breathe easy as fines will get rolled out by next week.