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NFL Announces Punishment Decision on J.J. McCarthy Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 4:45 PM ET

J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Washington Commanders 31-0 in Week 14. It was a dominant win and ended a four-game losing streak.

McCarthy finished the game completing 16-of-23 passes for 163 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 129.2 passer rating. It was the first game this season that he didn't throw an interception.

With 13:29 left in the fourth quarter, he completed a 13-yard pass to running back Aaron Jones. However, Minnesota was penalized for an illegal downfield pass. It was superseded, though, by Commanders defensive end Jacob Martin getting flagged for roughing the passer.

It resulted in a net of nine yards for the Vikings, who finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.© Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for Martin, along with giving Minnesota a first down, it meant he was under review for even more punishment. The NFL rulebook states that players can receive a fine of $17,389 for their first roughing the passer violation and $23,186 for a second in the same season.

On Saturday, the NFL made its official decision on Martin. Luckily for him, he did not show up on the Week 14 gameday accountability report for his hit on McCarthy. The only player for Washington to get fines was linebacker Nick Bellore ($10,847) for unnecessary roughness.

With that now behind him, Martin and the Commanders (3-10) are trying to snap an eight-game losing streak. They have a Week 15 NFC East matchup against the 2-11 New York Giants.

Meanwhile, McCarthy is leading the Vikings (5-8) into a "Sunday Night Football" road game against the Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1).

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

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