Lamb penalized after sideline collision in Cowboys preseason opener

Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb leaves the field in street clothes after a 15-yard penalty on an official collision during the Cowboys preseason opener.

Lamb penalized after sideline collision with official in Cowboys preseason opener

Lamb, dressed in street clothes, stood on the Cowboys sideline celebrating teammate Jonathan Mingo when a game official running near him collided with his back. The collision produced a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed to the official involved, a rare moment that became part of the story. The play also featured Mingo drawing a defensive pass interference call on Rams cornerback Shaun Jolly for a 51-yard gain, helping Dallas move from a difficult third down to a more favorable position before the drive stalled on the next play. Lamb rested with most of the Cowboys starters, and the team noted he is coming off a Pro Bowl season and will be aiming to regain peak production while focusing on health in the preseason.

The game served as a test of depth for Dallas as it builds toward the regular season. The incident on the sideline underscored how preseason showcases can blend human moments with strategic decisions, especially when a team manages workload for a star player while evaluating how backups perform in real game situations.

The moment highlights how preseason football blends theater with roster evaluation. Teams balance health and development as they push to identify capable backups who can step in when needed. A collision on the sideline and a rare foul against an official became a reminder that even in late summer games, momentum hinges on small, game-changing details.

Highlights

The season will reveal how Dallas uses a quiet start to build steady momentum.