Logo

NFL Suspends Referee Ron Torbert After Missed Illegal Formation Calls in Cowboys-Packers Tie

 

Arlington, TX 

The NFL has suspended veteran referee Ron Torbert and his crew for one week after failing to penalize repeated illegal formations by the Green Bay Packers during Sunday night’s 40-40 tie with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas and Green Bay battled through four quarters and overtime in what became the second-highest scoring tie in NFL history. Dak Prescott led a field goal drive in OT, only for Jordan Love to answer late.

With the Packers facing 3rd-and-14 at the Dallas 16-yard line, confusion reigned. Green Bay appeared to line up illegally, yet no flags were thrown. The snap set up a 48-yard, game-tying field goal with one second left.

Video reviews showed left tackle Rasheed Walker and left guard Elgton Jenkins off the line of scrimmage. Under NFL rules, such violations should have triggered a 10-second runoff, ending the game in Dallas’ favor.

Fans erupted online. One wrote: “Packers got away with an illegal formation which should’ve been a penalty requiring a runoff.” Another added: “I guess it’s never getting called in that situation, but sure looked illegal.”

 

Former coach Rex Ryan was blunt on ESPN’s Get Up“They’re not even lined up right… the Packers never looked ready for the moment.” He said officials “let things slide” in the chaotic overtime sequence.

On Monday, the NFL confirmed Torbert’s suspension for an “internal officiating review.” The league also fined the Packers $50,000 for formation violations, underscoring its stance on consistency after weeks of mounting officiating controversies.

The tie leaves Green Bay 2-1-1 and Dallas 1-2-1. The Cowboys now shift focus to the Vikings in Week 4 under referee Carl Cheffers, hoping to avoid more officiating drama as playoff hopes remain fragile.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Packers host Shilo Sanders for a visit one month after he nearly walked away from football 
Green Bay, WI — October 7, 2025. Responding to a need for added depth in the secondary and on special teams, the Green Bay Packers are staging a visit/workout with Shilo Sanders — the 24-year-old defensive back known for versatility and a gritty playing style. The meeting takes place one month after Shilo publicly acknowledged he had considered stepping away from football. Shilo’s schedule at the club’s facilities (Lambeau Field/Don Hutson Center) includes a quick conditioning/medical check, interviews with the defensive coaching staff, a session with the special teams coordinator about potential roles (gunner/jammer, personal protector), and classroom work on installs, route recognition, and assignment rules. During a brief media availability, Shilo shared a mix of emotion and professional resolve: “I once missed the chance to come to the Packers — and that stayed with me. Coming back here today, I want to show I’ve grown and I’m ready. The Packers are a first-class organization; they’ve engaged me with respect and a clearly defined role. If I get the opportunity, I’ll repay it with discipline, a team-first mindset, and everything I’ve got.” From a football standpoint, the Packers view Shilo as a fit for nickel/dime packages that emphasize speed and safety-to-slot flexibility, with immediate value on special teams. Boxes to check include stamina after prior injuries, secure open-field tackling, and processing of complex route concepts (banjo/switch, stack-bunch) against high-tempo offenses. If he clears internal benchmarks, contract pathways could include a practice-squad deal (with a promotion plan) or a short-term contract through season’s end with snap-based incentives on special teams/defense. A decision window of 48–72 hours after the workout would align with weekly roster deadlines. Team sources say the staff wants to see two things from Shilo: (1) consistent pre-/post-snap communication, especially versus frequent motions and shifts; and (2) strong run-fit leverage and angles when supporting the run. “If he hits those marks, he can help immediately on ST and gradually earn dime snaps,” one staffer noted. For Shilo, this “return visit” to Green Bay would mean more than another tryout — it would be a self-affirmation after a wobbly stretch. Even if it doesn’t end in a long-term deal, proving his value in front of an organization with the Packers’ standards could open other NFL doors. For Green Bay, it’s a low-cost, low-risk move with potentially high special-teams payoff, consistent with the club’s approach to midseason depth additions.