NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Justin Herbert Incident

Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Justin Herbert Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 9:34 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took multiple illegal hits in their Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The Chargers suffered their fourth straight defeat of the season, losing 30-23 to Seattle at Lumen Field. L.A. dropped to 0-4 and are at the bottom of the AFC, along with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, who all remain winless after four games.

Herbert failed to deliver the Chargers’ first win of the season, completing 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against the defending-champion Seahawks.

Herbert was hit with two roughing-the-passer fouls from Seattle defenders DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall in the fourth quarter.

The first was called against Lawrence at the 14:11 mark of the final frame on second-and-17, wiping out a sack and giving the Chargers a fresh set of downs.

Then, with 11:26 on the clock, Hall was flagged on third-and-24 after a big hit on Herbert. The Chargers star was slow to get up and held his midsection after the tackle.

THIS is why the Chargers will NEVER trade Justin Herbert.

Takes a brutal shot to the ribs, gets up in pain, then lowers his shoulder for 5 more yards on the next play.

You can NEVER question Herbert’s toughness.pic.twitter.com/yK3ljvYtnF
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) October 6, 2026

Although the game ended in their favor, Lawrence and Hall now await the league’s decision on whether to fine them for their respective fouls.

Rule 12, Section 2, Article 11 of the 2026 NFL rulebook defines roughing the passer as “any physical acts against a player who is in a passing posture (i.e. before, during, or after attempting a pass) which, in the game official’s judgment, are unwarranted by the circumstances of the play will be called as fouls.”

The 2026 NFL fines schedule lists a $17,911 fine for a roughing-the-passer penalty for a first offense and $23,882 for a second.

Both Lawrence and Hall will have to wait to see whether their names are included in the league’s weekly accountability report, which is typically released Saturday afternoons.

For now, the Chargers will prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium, hoping to record their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, Seattle will welcome the undefeated San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on Sunday.

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

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