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The NFL is punishing a San Francisco 49s player just hours before they take on the Chicago Bears in Week 17.
Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are riding high on their 11-4 record and are at the top of the NFC and NFC North standings, and now, they’ll face a worthy opponent in the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 28. Going into the game, the 49ers also have an 11-4 record, and they’re just one game behind the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.
So, even though both the Bears and 49ers are already in the playoffs, this game will still bring excitement. For one, seeing Williams and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in the same game will be fun, since both are among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But, most importantly for the Bears, a win would give Chicago the NFC North division title and keep them well in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, along with its first-round bye and home-field advantage, according to NFL research.
Now, ahead of the game, the NFL has announced a punishment for one San Francisco 49ers player. The punishment comes in the league’s weekly accountability report.
San Francisco 49ers Player in Hot Water Before Chicago Bears Game
Each week during the season, the NFL gives punishments to 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, ahead of the season, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.
On Saturday, December 27, the NFL announced that it’s punishing 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir for his actions during the team’s Week 16 game. The league is fining him $11,593 for a late hit and “unnecessary roughness” at the 10:53 mark in the third quarter of the Colts game on Sunday, December 22.
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.”
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Says Caleb Williams is Treated Equally
On Friday, December 26, Johnson talked about the team’s 49ers showdown. He also spoke about his relationship with Williams. “I treat Caleb like I do the rest of these guys,” he said. “I love all these guys, and it comes from a good place. I just want them to become the best player that they can be.”
After the team’s win over the Packers on Saturday, December 20, Johnson also sang the praises of the entire team. “Let me tell you something right now, this is a special group,” Johnson said. “This doesn’t happen everywhere, gentlemen. Where we are right now, what you guys are doing, it’s no fluke. You are mentally tough, you are physically tough, and you fight all 60 minutes.”
Looking at the NFL division standings in Week 17, the Chicago Bears are in a comfortable spot to win the NFC North and even earn the top seed in the NFC, but they need to keep winning to do it.
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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