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NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Trevor Lawrence Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 5:17 PM ET

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road for a Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Jacksonville is looking to stay hot while riding a five-game winning streak.

Going into halftime, the Jaguars held a 17-10 lead. Through the first two quarters, Lawrence was looking solid, completing 13-of-21 passes for 130 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. However, he had been sacked three times.

On third-and-10 with 2:44 left in the first quarter, the play was blown dead after a false start from Jaguars tight end Quintin Morris. However, that was negated after Broncos safety P.J. Locke was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a hit on Lawrence after the whistle.

Instead of the Jaguars backing up due to the false start, they netted 15 yards and an automatic first down. The drive ended on a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Parker Washington.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

After aiding Jacksonville's touchdown drive, Locke awaits a punishment decision from the NFL. According to the league's rules enforcement guidelines, players can be fined $11,593 for a late hit and $17,389 for a second offense in the same season.

Locke has already been fined three times since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, totalling $41,916. The most recent was for the impossible use of the helmet in Denver's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

Now he waits to see if that total rises to four following his late hit on Lawrence. The NFL's Week 16 game day accountability report will be revealed on Saturday, giving an official ruling.

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

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