The Detroit Lions are no strangers to physical play — toughness is practically a requirement for anyone representing the Motor City. But even in a sport built on contact, there are limits, and when players cross those lines, the NFL steps in to enforce consequences.
Leading up to the Lions’ “Sunday Night Football” showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on November 16, the league issued disciplinary action for two incidents that took place the previous week when Detroit traveled to face the Washington Commanders on November 9.
Each Saturday during the season, the NFL releases its list of fines from the prior week’s games. These penalties, outlined jointly by the NFL and NFLPA before the season, are designed to limit unnecessary risks and preserve fairness and integrity across the league.
In the Week 10 discipline report, Washington linebacker Ale Kaho received the steepest fine of the week — $46,371 — for unnecessary roughness and a “use of the helmet” infraction during the third quarter. His teammate, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, was also fined $28,555 for unsportsmanlike behavior and making improper contact with an official in the second quarter.
Although the Commanders drew the most scrutiny, the Lions weren’t completely spared. Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was issued a $12,172 fine for unnecessary roughness categorized under “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing,” stemming from a second-quarter play in that same matchup.
All fine money collected goes to charitable efforts through the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation, supporting retired players in need as well as initiatives that promote athlete safety and community programs, including youth football. While players can appeal these fines, they typically only pursue challenges when a suspension is also on the table.
Lions-Eagles Outlook: Detroit Still Has Firepower
Heading into Week 11, the Lions and Eagles sit side-by-side in the league’s power rankings — Philadelphia at No. 4 and Detroit right behind them at No. 5. According to Eric Edholm of NFL.com, the Lions’ offense thrived after Dan Campbell assumed play-calling duties, producing one of their strongest performances of the season. Edholm cautioned that tougher opponents are ahead, but the game served as a reminder that Detroit’s offense “can still explode when everything clicks.”
Campbell has said he’ll continue calling plays for the remainder of the year, taking over the responsibility from first-year offensive coordinator John Morton. Fans should expect to see even more of Campbell’s influence as the season unfolds.
