Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions dropped to 8-7 after falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-24 in Week 16. It came down to the last play after a Lions touchdown with eight seconds remaining was nullified for offensive pass interference.
Goff had a solid game, completing 34-of-54 passes for 364 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 101.2 passer rating. However, he was sacked three times for a loss of 18 yards.
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On first-and-10 with 1:24 left in the game, he was sacked by Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith for a loss of 10 yards. However, the play was wiped out after Highsmith was flagged for a tripping penalty on Goff.
It gave the Lions 15 yards of field position and an automatic first down. Later on in the drive, Detroit had two touchdowns nullified from penalties, including that final play.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared GoffLon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Despite Highsmith’s penalty not aiding in a Lions touchdown drive, it meant he was eligible for a different kind of punishment. The NFL rulebook states that players can be fined $12,172 for tripping and $17,968 for a second violation in the same season.
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On Saturday, the NFLannounced its Week 16 gameday accountability report, holding the official ruling for Highsmith’s penalty on Goff. Unfortunately for him, he wound up receiving a $12,172 fine. This is the third in his NFL career, with the total now rising to $35,058.
Up next for him and the 9-6 Steelers is a Week 17 matchup against the 3-12 Cleveland Browns. They can clinch an AFC North title with a win, or if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers.
Meanwhile, since losing to the Steelers, Goff and the Lions suffered another defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas. They’ve been eliminated from playoff contention with one more regular-season game against the Chicago Bears.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.