Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons veteran receives news he didn't want to hear right before tough matchup with top AFC contender

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 10:38 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons want to get back into the playoff conversation in the NFC, but that task won't be easy in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. New England leads the AFC East with a 6-2 record. For Atlanta, they're sitting at 3-4, third place in the NFC South.

For one of their veteran defenders, he had to worry about this wallet about 24 hours before kickoff.

Leonard Floyd fined by NFL for roughness penalty from Week 8 loss

Falcons edge rusher Leonard Floyd has been fined $11,593 by the NFL for an unnecessary roughness penalty that he committed during Atlanta's loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. The particular call was for a facemask penalty.

#Falcons EDGE Leonard Floyd was fined $11,593 for his unnecessary roughness (face mask) penalty from the second quarter against the Dolphins.
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) November 1, 2025

It is unfortunate for Floyd, but ultimately, the league made the correct decision by the rulebook. Players across the NFL have dealt with this sort of punishment due to facemark calls all season long. For Floyd, we will see if he can help the Falcons pull of an upset in Week 9.

The experienced edge rusher has nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and seven QB hits for the Falcons this season. He has not missed a game so far this season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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