Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Final Decision on Rams Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 5:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams are looking to return to the conference championship for the first time since they won the Super Bowl at the end of the 2021 season. The Rams, however, will need to get through the Chicago Bears on Sunday first. A win against Chicago in the divisional round will see the Rams move on to face the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title.

The Rams got to the divisional round by defeating the Carolina Panthers in the opening round. Matthew Stafford led L.A. to a tightly contested 34-31 victory by going 24-of-42 passing for 304 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looks on before an NFL game.Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

The Rams got into some trouble during the Panthers game. L.A. defensive end Desjuan Johnson was at the center of the controversy in the second half. The 26-year-old was involved in a contentious incident with 4 minutes, 17 seconds left in the second quarter.

Johnson was flagged for an unsportsmanlike penalty after the Rams’ kickoff return following a 42-yard field goal that put them up 20-17. The Rams DE was caught taunting the Panthers, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

According to the NFL rulebook, it is prohibited to use “baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams.” Apart from a 15-yard penalty during the game, taunting penalties are also eligible for a retroactive fine after a mandatory league investigation.

The NFL looked into Johnson’s incident and announced via the gameday accountability report on Saturday that the Rams DE has been fined $5,830 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

This is Johnson’s second fine this season. He was also fined $5,830 for a roughing-the-passer violation against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.

The Rams will be on the road for Sunday’s game. Kickoff from Soldier Field in Chicago is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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