Cowboys vs. Commanders: Officiating Controversy Emerges After Dallas Win as Washington Searches for Answers
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37–20 on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in a game that featured big offensive performances, controversial moments and a major injury to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, claims circulating online that three referees have been suspended and that the game has been scheduled for a rematch have not been confirmed by the NFL or the teams.
Dallas entered the NFC East matchup looking to recover from its Week 1 defeat to the New York Giants, while Washington was also trying to avoid falling to 0–2 after losing its season opener to Philadelphia. The Cowboys ultimately controlled the scoreboard, with Dak Prescott producing one of the strongest performances of his career.
Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, helping Dallas pull away from Washington. He also made franchise history by recording his 249th career touchdown pass, moving past Tony Romo for the most touchdown passes in Cowboys history. (Dallas Cowboys)
CeeDee Lamb was another major factor. The Dallas receiver finished with 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 24-yard touchdown reception that helped put the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter. Jake Ferguson also caught two touchdown passes from Prescott.
Despite the final score, Washington’s statistical performance showed that the game was not simply a one-sided affair. The Commanders actually finished with more total yards than Dallas, producing 389 yards compared with the Cowboys’ 332. Washington also rushed for 182 yards, while Dallas finished with 66 rushing yards. (Dallas Cowboys)
The biggest turning point came shortly before halftime.
Jayden Daniels suffered a left elbow injury while attempting to make a final play near the Dallas goal line. He was unable to return for the second half, forcing Washington to turn to veteran backup Marcus Mariota. Daniels had produced 69 rushing yards and a touchdown pass before leaving the contest. Reuters reported that the quarterback suffered a dislocated left elbow and would undergo further evaluation. (Reuters)
Washington briefly threatened to make the game competitive after Mariota entered. The Commanders continued moving the ball, and a potential touchdown to Dyami Brown became one of the game’s notable officiating moments. The play was reviewed and the ruling that the pass was incomplete was upheld. (Dallas Cowboys)
The Commanders later scored through Stefon Diggs, but Dallas responded with another scoring drive. Prescott eventually connected with Lamb for the final touchdown, giving the Cowboys a 37–20 victory.
Following the game, discussion among fans focused on several officiating decisions and the impact of replay reviews. However, as of the latest available reports, there is no verified announcement that three officials have been suspended or that the NFL has ordered Dallas and Washington to replay the game.
The available statistics also show that both teams were charged with five penalties, with Washington recording 38 penalty yards and Dallas 32. That information does not establish that officiating errors changed the outcome of the contest. (SI)
For Washington, the immediate concern is now the health of Daniels and how the team will respond after falling to 0–2. Dallas, meanwhile, moves to 1–1 and leaves the matchup with considerable momentum behind Prescott, Lamb and an offense that scored 37 points.
The Cowboys’ victory is therefore the officially recorded result of the September 20 meeting. Any claim that the game will be replayed because three officials were suspended should be treated as unconfirmed unless the NFL, the teams or another authoritative source makes such an announcement.
For fans, the controversy may continue to generate debate, but the documented result remains unchanged: Cowboys 37, Commanders 20.
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