NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Patrick Mahomes Play

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Patrick Mahomes Play

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 5:00 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will look to keep their perfect start to the 2026 NFL season alive on Sunday, heading west to face Kirk Cousins and AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Chiefs are coming off a 24-10 road win against Malik Willis and the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, improving their record to 3-0.

Up 17-10 with just over two minutes to go in the first half, the Chiefs had the ball at their own five-yard line facing a 3rd-and-9. Mahomes was forced back into the end zone during the play before attempting to pass it to wide receiver Rashee Rice over the middle, but it fell incomplete.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs onto the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 27, 2026. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

However, as Mahomes released the ball, Dolphins defensive end Chop Robinson came flying in, knocking the former Texas Tech quarterback to the ground. And the officials called Robinson for roughing the passer, giving Kansas City 15 yards and a free first down.

The NFL also reviewed Robinson’s hit on Mahomes for a potential fine. Players can be fined up to $17,911 for a first roughing the passer violation, with the amount increasing to $23,882 for a second offense. Fortunately for Robinson, the league elected not to punish him further, allowing him to avoid a fine.

The only player from the Chiefs win over the Dolphins to receive a fine was Kansas City rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, who was charged $12,537 for a low block in the first quarter. And zero players were fined for roughing the passer in Week 3, while only Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cedric Johnson was fined $6,164 for roughing the kicker.

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Do you think this is roughing the passer? pic.twitter.com/h0T39nnJWz
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 27, 2026