# NFL Issues Wave of Fines Following Week 8 Illegal Hits

Multiple players face financial penalties after hits causing concussions and rule violations.

- **Source:** [CBS Sports – NFL](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl)
- **Published:** 2026-11-07
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <
                                                https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-fines-jaquan-brisker-two-others-for-illegal-week-8-hits/
                    >
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b2bdd2e0-1bf5-4b2f-a4ed-e0954dcd4722

## Week 8 Disciplinary Surge

The NFL issued 31 fines during Week 8, marking the second-highest weekly total this season. These disciplinary actions follow a series of illegal hits that resulted in offensive players entering concussion protocol. Across the first eight weeks, 223 plays have resulted in fines, representing 0.0113% of all league action.

## High-Profile Player Penalties

Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was fined $17,911 for a hit on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn also received a $17,911 fine for a helmet-to-helmet collision with Jets receiver Garrett Wilson. Both victims were placed in concussion protocol, with Wilson ruled out for his upcoming game against Kansas City.

## Cowboys Defensive Fines

Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was fined $9,528 for using his helmet against Cardinals running back Bam Knight. The impact caused a fumble, though no penalty was called during the game. Knight suffered a concussion and will miss the Cardinals' divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks due to his injury.

## Helmet Infraction Discrepancies

Data indicates a recurring issue with officiating helmet-related infractions. Through eight weeks, 46 fines were issued for illegal helmet use, yet only 10 were flagged on the field during games. In Week 8 alone, seven players were fined for helmet infractions that officials initially failed to penalize during live play.

## Impact on Team Rosters

Concussion protocols are forcing significant roster adjustments across the league. The Cardinals will utilize Evan Hull and Jerome Ford against Seattle due to Bam Knight's injury and Jeremiyah Love's placement on injured reserve. Meanwhile, the Browns announced Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback in Week 9 despite Deshaun Watson clearing protocol.

## Additional Game-Specific Penalties

The Cardinals-Cowboys game saw further disciplinary action beyond the helmet hits. Cardinals lineman L.J. Collier was fined $8,972 for a late hit on Tyler Guyton, while Cowboys lineman Rashan Gary received a $17,911 fine for hitting Gardner Minshew in the head, which directly contributed to a Cardinals touchdown drive.

## Self-Inflicted Player Injuries

The physical toll of these hits extends to the perpetrators as well. Cowboys safety P.J. Locke was fined $19,444 for a helmet-to-helmet hit during the Cardinals game that simultaneously knocked himself out of the contest. Locke missed practice time but is expected to return for the upcoming game against Indianapolis.

## League-Wide Safety Trends

The high volume of fines highlights the NFL's ongoing struggle to balance aggressive defensive play with player safety mandates. With 38 fines in Week 2 and 31 in Week 8, the league continues to utilize post-game reviews to address missed calls, aiming to deter dangerous contact through significant financial consequences.

## Sources covering this story

- CBS Sports – NFL — NFL Fines Three Players for Illegal Hits During Week 8
- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-fines-jaquan-brisker-two-others-for-illegal-week-8-hits/ — 
- [Yahoo Sports — NFL Fines Three Players Following Cardinals-Cowboys Matchup](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-players-fined-cardinals-win-051959347.html)

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._