NFL Fines Three Players for Illegal Hits During Week 8
Jaquan Brisker, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jeremy Chinn face penalties for hits causing concussions.
1Week 8 Disciplinary Actions
The NFL issued 31 fines during Week 8, marking the second-highest weekly total this season. Among the penalized players are Jaquan Brisker, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jeremy Chinn. These disciplinary measures follow specific collisions that resulted in opposing offensive players being placed in concussion protocol and subsequently ruled out for the following week.
2Brisker Penalized for Watson Hit
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was fined $17,911 for a head and neck area blow against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Although Brisker contested the penalty, claiming he led with his chest, the league enforced the fine. Watson briefly exited the game, and the Browns have since named Shedeur Sanders their starter.
3Overshown Helmet Contact Fine
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown received a $9,528 fine for using his helmet during a hit on Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight. While the play forced a fumble that the Cowboys recovered without an in-game penalty, the league reviewed the footage post-game and determined the contact warranted a financial punishment.
4Chinn Hits Defenseless Receiver
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn was fined $17,911 for a helmet-to-helmet collision with New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Although Wilson finished the game, he reported concussion symptoms the following day. Consequently, the Jets placed him in the concussion protocol, ruling him out for the upcoming game against Kansas City.
5Impact on Player Availability
The hits involved in these three specific incidents directly impacted roster availability for Week 9. Deshaun Watson, Bam Knight, and Garrett Wilson were all placed in the NFL concussion protocol following their respective collisions. Each of these players has been ruled out for their team's upcoming matchup due to these injuries.
6League-Wide Fines Analysis
Through the first eight weeks of the 2026 season, the NFL has issued a total of 223 fines. This figure represents approximately 0.0113% of all plays conducted during this period. Week 8's total of 31 fines remains significantly lower than the season-high of 38 fines recorded during the second week of play.
7Concussion Protocol Procedures
The NFL concussion protocol requires players to clear a multi-step evaluation process before returning to the field. Even if a player like Deshaun Watson clears the protocol during the week, teams may still choose to start alternative players. This highlights the cautious approach organizations take regarding head injuries and long-term player health.
8Discipline and Game Safety
The league continues to utilize post-game reviews to address illegal contact that officials may miss during live action. By imposing fines for hits on defenseless players or helmet-to-helmet contact, the NFL aims to deter dangerous play styles. These financial penalties serve as a mechanism to enforce safety standards across all professional games.
Original article: CBS Sports – NFL — NFL Fines Three Players for Illegal Hits During Week 8