Ekeler has helmet punched off in pre-game fight between Chargers and Cowboys

17 October 2023 , 00:52

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Austin Ekeler was punched before Monday Night Football started (Image: ESPN on ABC)

Things got heated before "Monday Night Football" at SoFi Stadium as Austin Ekeler was punched so hard that his helmet fell off in a mass brawl.

Ahead of the final game of Week 6, players from the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers got into a big fight. Star running back for the Chargers, Ekeler, was hit hard by Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., before both rosters were eventually separated.

Fowler was the main antagonist of the brawl, and it's likely that the NFL will take disciplinary action whether it be via a fine or suspension. It was Ekeler's first game back from injury, after missing the last four weeks of action.

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Ekeler had the last laugh as his first play back for the Chargers was a 34-yard play, receiving a short pass from quarterback Justin Herbert before rushing and being brought down at the four-yard line. Herbert then found wide receiver Keenan Allen in the end zone as the Chargers made a fast start against an uncharacteristic Cowboys defense.

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It was Allen's fourth touchdown of the season so far, and the Chargers went into the game 2-2 after already having a bye week. The Cowboys appeared to still have some frustration after being torn apart by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.

The Cowboys went to 3-2 after a 42-10 loss against the 49ers, in what was their first major test of the season. Dallas shocked the NFL in Week 1 with a 40-0 shutout against the New York Giants, followed by a 30-10 win over the New York Jets.

They then suffered an unexpected 28-16 loss against the Arizona Cardinals before getting back on track with a 38-3 win against the New England Patriots. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claimed before the start of the season that his roster was the best he's seen in years and that the NFC should be worried about them.

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But their loss to the 49ers humbled them, especially after it was San Francisco that beat them in the playoffs last season. The Cowboys have some work to do if they're going to compete with the 49ers and division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, this season, with both teams currently 5-1.

The Cowboys are known for being a physical team and displayed that a little too much before kick off. They'll need to remain composed if they are to be in with a chance of securing their first Super Bowl since 1995.

Joseph McBride