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NFL Facing Punishment Decision on Daniel Jones Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts suffered defeat for the first time in three games on Sunday. After back-to-back wins over the Atlanta Falcons and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts took a loss in Week 13, falling to the Houston Texans, 20-16.

Jones did what he could for Indianapolis in this one, completing 14-of-27 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. It still wasn’t enough, though, as the red-hot Texans secured their fourth straight victory with a big road win at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Jones was involved in a contentious moment in the fourth quarter as the Colts attempted to get back in the game. The incident will now be reviewed by the NFL and will result in a subsequent punishment decision.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans.© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Jones is having a big year for the Colts. After signing a one-year, $14 million contract in the offseason, the former New York Giants quarterback is having arguably the best campaign of his career in Indianapolis. In 12 games played this season, Jones has already registered 256 -of-377 completed passes (67.9%) for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Jones took a big hit in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Texans. He threw an incomplete pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce at the 12:00 mark of the final frame. After Jones released the ball, however, Houston defensive tackle Tim Settle went in hard on the Colts quarterback. Settle’s tackle was deemed excessive by the game officials, and the Texans veteran was flagged for a personal foul for roughing the passer.

The incident resulted in a 15-yard penalty in favor of the Colts, who were able to score a 42-yard field goal on the same drive. Indianapolis cut the lead to 20-16, but that was their last points of the game.

According to the NFL rulebook, roughing the passer is defined as an unwarranted physical act against a player in a passing posture. It carries a potential fine of $17,389 for a first offense and $23,186 for a second offense.

The league will now review the incident in question and decide whether or not to fine Settle for his foul against Jones. The Texans DL will need to wait for the league’s decision, which will be announced next Saturday via the weekly gameday accountability report.

Jones and the Colts fell to 8-4 after Sunday’s loss. The Texans, on the other hand, improved to 7-5.

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

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