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NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Caleb Williams Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 4:13 PM ET

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears improved to 11-4 after defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. It was a 22-16 overtime win after entering the fourth quarter down 13-3.

Williams finished the game completing 19-of-34 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 98.9 passer rating. He also rushed the ball three times, picking up 30 yards.

On third-and-20 in the fourth quarter with 3:15 remaining on the clock, he was sacked by Packers defensive lineman Warren Brinson for a loss of six yards. However, that was negated due to Brinson getting flagged for a face mask penalty.

It gave the Bears 15 yards of field position and an automatic first down. Chicago ended the drive with a 43-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 16-9.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18).Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Not only did Brinson aid in the Bears' scoring drive, but his penalty put him in position to receive another punishment from the NFL. The league's rulebook states that a player can be fined $11,593 for a face mask violation and $17,389 for a second offense in the same season.

The NFL revealed its Week 16 gameday accountability report on Saturday, giving an official ruling on Brinson's penalty against Williams. Unfortunately for him, he did receive a fine, though it was only $4,981. It's the first fine the rookie has received in his NFL career.

With this decision revealed, he and the Packers move on with a Week 17 matchup against the 7-8 Baltimore Ravens. It's a Saturday night matchup, with Green Bay having already clinched a playoff berth.

Meanwhile, Williams and the Bears face the 11-4 San Francisco 49ers on "Sunday Night Football." Either a Packers loss or a Bears win will clinch an NFC North title for Chicago.

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

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