Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment Decision for Justin Herbert Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:08 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers were knocked out of the playoffs by losing to the New England Patriots 16-3 in the wild-card round. They finished the season on a three-game losing streak.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is 0-3 in three career playoff starts. Against the Patriots, he completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 74.5 passer rating. He was also under constant pressure, getting sacked six times.

One sack came on third-and-11 with 41 seconds left in the second quarter. It became a controversial call when Patriots defensive lineman Milton Williams made contact with Herbert's head.

During the broadcast, NBC on-air rules analyst Terry McAulay stated there should have been a penalty for roughing the passer. Instead of an automatic first down and 15 yards, the Chargers punted the ball on the next play. New England capitalized, scoring a field goal with two seconds on the clock before halftime, giving the Patriots a 6-3 lead.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

However, just because a penalty wasn't called doesn't mean Williams can't be handed a punishment for his hit on Herbert. The NFL rulebook states that players can be fined $17,389 for roughing the passer, and the punishment can increase to $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.

The league revealed its wild-card round gameday accountability report on Saturday. Williams did not show up on the list, meaning he did not receive a fine for the hit. The NFL handed out a total of just eight fines.

Up next for Williams and the Patriots is a divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans at 3 p.m. ET Sunday on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN app. New England is on a four-game winning streak.

As for Herbert and the Chargers, they move into the offseason. They have not advanced past the wild-card round since 2018, when they lost to the Patriots in the divisional round.

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

More must-reads: