Jahmyr Gibbsโ trip into the end zone came with a rather expensive follow-up.
The Detroit Lions running back was fined $23,027 for use of the helmet on his 1-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. The score, followed by the extra point, gave Detroit a 14โ0 third-quarter lead.
NFL Networkโs Mike Garafolo reported the fine and noted that Gibbs was not flagged on the play.
The NFLโs official Week 1 accountability report lists the incident under unnecessary roughness, with โuse of the helmetโ as the description. It identifies the snap at the 11:18 mark of the third quarter.
Gibbsโ touchdown remained on the scoreboard. The financial penalty arrived afterward.
No flag does not mean no fine
That distinction is worth understanding. Under the NFLโs disciplinary review process, the league reviews every play and can issue fines for violations that were not penalized during the game.
Players also have the right to appeal. The supplied report does not indicate whether Gibbs plans to challenge this one.
Gibbs was a major part of Detroitโs opening-week offense, handling 29 carries in the Lionsโ 31โ30 overtime victory. His workload and ability were among the concerns highlighted in Buffaloโs preparation for Detroitโs offense.
The Lions subsequently fell to 1โ1 with their 41โ31 loss to the Bills, but this discipline stems from the opener against New Orleans.
A touchdown Sunday. A $23,027 bill afterward.
