The highly anticipated season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles came to an abrupt halt in the third quarter. With just 4:44 left on the clock, the matchup was suspended due to extreme weather conditions that forced referees, players and fans out of the stadium.

What happened and why was the game stopped?

The game was suspended because of lightning strikes detected within the stadium’s safety radius. With the scoreboard showing 24-20 in favor of the Eagles, officials halted play and ordered an evacuation of both teams and spectators. It was a mandatory measure under NFL safety protocols during electrical storms.

What unfolded before the suspension?

The night was already surrounded by controversy. Jalen Carter of the Eagles was ejected before the first snap, after spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott during an injury timeout in the opening play. The referee flagged the act as unsportsmanlike conduct and sent him off, sparking a storm of reactions across media outlets.

What impact does this suspension have?

Despite the growing tension from Carter’s ejection, the weather dictated the outcome. A dangerous storm system forced the NFL to put safety first, interrupting what had been an electrifying duel between two of the league’s fiercest rivals.

What’s next: resume or reschedule?

Under NFL regulations, suspensions like this require league officials to decide whether the game will resume later the same night or be rescheduled. If the contest cannot continue, the league could rule the scoreline as final.