The Cincinnati Bengals faced fines for two of their players following their recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4. Linebacker Germaine Pratt was penalized $22,511 for an illegal helmet hit on Steelers running back Najee Harris during the game. Although the officials did not penalize Pratt during the match, NBC analyst Russell Yurk indicated that the hit warranted discipline.
This marks Pratt's second fine of the season after receiving $16,883 for a hip-drop tackle against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Additionally, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither was fined $14,956 for a similar hip-drop tackle against Pittsburgh's Pat Freiermuth in the same game. That play was crucial as it allowed the Steelers to secure a first down late in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens received a fine of $22,511 for a facemask infraction against Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, marking his fifth fine of the season and his third against Cincinnati. The fines highlight the ongoing discipline issues players face as they navigate the intense competition of the NFL.
