The Dallas Cowboys’ postseason hopes took a major blow after their 44–30 loss to the Detroit Lions on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 14.
And beyond the impact on the standings, one Dallas defender could also face financial repercussions.
Midway through the fourth quarter, with the Cowboys clinging to a 30–27 lead, Lions quarterback Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams on a 29-yard strike that brought Detroit to the edge of the red zone. Moments after releasing the ball, Goff absorbed a heavy shot from Cowboys defensive end James Houston, drawing a roughing-the-passer penalty worth 15 yards. The infraction advanced the Lions to the Dallas 13, and two snaps later Jahmyr Gibbs scored from 10 yards out, stretching Detroit’s advantage to 37–27.
Houston—who posted two tackles, a sack, a QB hit and a pair of pressures—hurt his team with the late hit, and it may hurt his wallet as well. With the league placing extra focus on quarterback safety and unsportsmanlike conduct this season, Houston is a strong candidate for a fine expected to be around $17,389 for this category of violation. Repeat offenses can push that number to $23,186.
Leaguewide, the NFL has issued 13 fines for hits on quarterbacks this season, totaling $211,215. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen is the only player penalized more than once, accumulating $40,575 in fines.
While no Cowboys players received fines last week, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was docked $8,166 two weeks ago for a late hit, and wideout George Pickens was fined $26,085 for a prop-related violation.
