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On Saturday, December 13, the NFL handed out its weekly tally of punishments, and one Detroit Lions player got the largest penalty.
The Detroit Lions are coming up on a critical game for their shot at getting to the postseason. On Sunday, December 14, the team takes on the Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, and if they win, they’ll greatly increase their chances of getting to the playoffs. Now, ahead of that game, one Detroit Lions player is in serious trouble with the NFL.
The good news is that this player isn’t being suspended, so he’ll be able to participate in the team’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. That’s especially crucial, since the Lions, with their record of 8-5, will be facing one of the strongest offenses in the NFL for the 2025-26 season, the Rams, with their 10-3 record.
On Saturday, December 13, the NFL handed out its weekly tally of punishments for players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Also, “the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.”
One Detroit Lions favorite was on the tally. Not only that, but this player received the largest fine of the week at $17,968 for his actions taken against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Announces Punishment Decision for Detroit Lions Standout
On Saturday, December 13, the NFL announced a harsh punishment for beloved linebacker Alex Anzalone for an incident that took place during the team’s game against the Cowboys on Thursday, December 4.
The NFL handed Anzalone a $17,968 fine for “unnecessary roughness” and “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing” at the 6:28 mark in the second quarter of the game. This was actually the highest penalty of the week, so Anzalone is in trouble with the league. But, it certainly wasn’t enough to warrant a missed game, and that’s a good thing, because the Lions will need Anzalone against the Rams.
NFL Also Punishes Cowboys Players for Actions Against the Detroit Lions
Three Dallas Cowboys players were also punished by the NFL. The league gave George Pickens a $11,593 facemask fine for “unnecessary roughness” for actions taken at the 1:25 mark in the second quarter of the game. They also handed a $8,537 fine for “use of the helmet” and “unnecessary roughness” at the 15:00 mark in the very first quarter and James Houston $5,722 for a “blow to the head/neck” at the 8:26 mark in the fourth quarter of the game.
It’s worth noting that Houston’s fine was for actions against Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
According to a statement from the league, all of the funds raised from those fines will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Up next, if the Detroit Lions pull off a win over the Los Angeles Rams, they’ll go from having a 55% chance of making the playoffs to a 74% chance, according to NFL research. If they lose, that drops to 45%. The Rams already have a 97% shot at making the postseason.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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