Officials Faced Criticism After Colts-Chiefs Non-Call
Fans scrutinized the lack of a late hit penalty following a sideline tackle on Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
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Officials did not call a penalty after Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was tackled out of bounds by Nick Bolton and La'Jarius Sneed. The non-call occurred while Jones was running along the right side of the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Why it matters
The incident sparked significant debate among fans regarding officiating consistency on plays involving quarterbacks running near the sidelines. Such calls frequently influence game momentum and player safety standards in the NFL.
Daniel Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract in March following a previous one-year, $14 million deal. He played 13 games during the prior season, recording 3,101 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.
The players
Daniel Jones
He is the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who previously signed a two-year contract worth $88 million.
Nick Bolton
He is a defensive player for the Kansas City Chiefs who participated in the tackle of the Indianapolis quarterback.
La'Jarius Sneed
He is a defensive player for the Kansas City Chiefs who was involved in the sideline tackle.
The details
During the game, Jones attempted a running play on the right side of the field before being taken down by Chiefs players Nick Bolton and La'Jarius Sneed after crossing the out-of-bounds marker. Social media users expressed frustration that the hit was not penalized as an illegal late hit.
Timeline
December: Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
March: Daniel Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract.
September 20, 2026: The Colts-Chiefs game occurred.
Season Trajectory
This non-call impacts the league-wide narrative regarding officiating standards for star quarterbacks during a critical stretch of the season. It highlights ongoing concerns about how enforcement of sideline protections affects the competitive balance between AFC contenders.
The failure to draw a penalty means the Colts lost a critical opportunity to extend their drive during a high-stakes matchup. Fantasy managers and bettors should note the ongoing physical risk to Jones, who is coming off a season where he played only 13 games.
The takeaway
This event underscores the enduring tension between aggressive defensive play and the evolving rules designed to keep quarterbacks healthy. Fans should monitor league statements in the coming days to see if the officiating crew faces internal review regarding the missed call.
Further reading
For more on the latest league rulings, visit the Football section.
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