In the Cowboys’ preseason showdown against the Rams on Friday, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb absorbed one of the biggest hits of the game despite not playing. An official rammed into Lamb when the four-time Pro Bowler came too close to the field while celebrating his teammate getting open. Thankfully, Lamb was seemingly fine. However, his […]
In the Cowboys’ preseason showdown against the Rams on Friday, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb absorbed one of the biggest hits of the game despite not playing. An official rammed into Lamb when the four-time Pro Bowler came too close to the field while celebrating his teammate getting open.
Thankfully, Lamb was seemingly fine. However, his lack of attention to his surroundings cost the Cowboys a sideline interference penalty. On Monday, ESPN analyst Adam Schefter revealed Lamb’s punishment may not be concluded.
While on First Take, Schefter reported the NFL is planning on reviewing the play to determined whether or not to fine Lamb. It’s insult to injury for the three-time All-Pro wideout.
“It’s a sideline interference,” referee Alex Moore said after the game. “CeeDee Lamb was standing in the restricted white border area, which is our area to officiate the game. The official on the play was focused solely on doing his job and he ran into CeeDee Lamb, who was standing in that restricted area. That’s what happened. And with that contact, it’s an automatic foul.
“It’s more of a rare situation… Normally we don’t have anybody standing that deep into the restricted area, or that type of forceful contact. So, it is a rare occurrence, but it does happen from time to time.”
Clearly, Lamb isn’t used to watching games from the sidelines. In four of his five NFL seasons, Lamb has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards. In the 2024 campaign, Lamb tallied 1,194 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
It was a step down from his career year in 2023, but still an excellent season. Lamb will look to reach his former heights this year when he takes the field, and hopefully avoid running into any more officials. First Take host Stephen A. Smith, who notoriously loves making fun of the Cowboys, couldn’t help but laugh at Lamb’s collision with the referee.
“I couldn’t stop laughing because it’s a classic example,” Smith said. “The pass has not reached the receiver yet, and he’s sitting up there celebrating just because the brother got open. It’s a classic Cowboy mistake. See, you’re celebrating prior to. You’re celebrating prematurely. You’re celebrating because you didn’t accomplish it yet.
“It’s what they do. It’s who they are. It’s just who they are. They just can’t help themselves. And that was what had me laughing, because I looked at it and I said, ‘It’s not gonna change. Just be patient. Wait for it. It’s coming.'”
Category: Football
