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NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Patrick Mahomes Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 4:03 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are in danger of falling out of playoff contention, dropping to 6-7 on the 2025 season after a 20-10 loss to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 14. Mahomes had arguably his worst outing of the year, completing just 14-of-33 passes for 160 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions.

With 3:24 remaining in the first half of Chiefs–Texans, Mahomes scrambled to his right before completing a short pass to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a first down. But as the former Texas Tech quarterback released the throw, Houston defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. grabbed his face mask, drawing a flag and giving Kansas City a free 15 yards.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos.© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With the penalty, the league likely reviewed Edwards' face mask on Mahomes for further punishment. Normally, the league can fine players up to $11,593 for a first face mask penalty, which can increase to $17389. And on Saturday, the NFL made a final decision on Edwards, electing not to fine him.

Facemask penalties have been among the more common fines issued by the NFL this season. Through the first 14 weeks of the regular season, the league has handed out 34 facemask fines totaling $319,281. Two of them have gone to Texans players, linebacker Christian Harris in Week 2 ($11,593) and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in Week 7 ($11,593). Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie was also fined $11,593 in Week 12.

This wouldn’t have been the first time Edwards was fined for a facemask. Last season against the New England Patriots, he was penalized $9,245 for the same infraction, and two months later, he was fined $22,511 for roughing the passer against Mahomes.

#Texans Mario Edwards Jr. flagged for personal foul, face mask infraction on rush on #Chiefs Patrick Mahomes
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 8, 2025