NFL Facing Punishment Decision on Lamar Jackson Incident

NFL official Shawn Smith, the referee for the Ravens-Steelers game, explained that the roughing the passer flag was thrown specifically because it was a low hit on Jackson.

Per NFL player safety guidelines, roughing the passer penalties can be punished with a $17,389 fine for a first-time offense up to a $23,186 fine for repeat offenses.

Not every roughing the passer results in a fine, but given the context of the low blow on Jackson's knees, the elevated safety risk could result in a fine for Black for unnecessary roughness.

Of the 25 fines handed out in Week 17, two were for hits on the quarterback and 21 were for some form of unnecessary roughness. Black was fined once this season, a $5,194 bill for making an obscene gesture against the Detroit Lions.

Here's the twist: the Ravens may also be subject to a fine on the play, depending how the NFL interprets the incident.

The replay appeared to show Baltimore left guard Andrew Vorhees tripping Black, causing him to stumble into Jackson for the late, low hit.

Tripping is also subject to large fines from the NFL — $12,172 for a first offense and $17,968 for repeat offenses. For example, Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry was fined $12,172 for tripping Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert while sacking him in Week 17.

While the Steelers and Ravens settled their postseason fates on the field, the NFL was left with a big decision to make on whether to fine Black, Voorhees, both or neither after the incident involving Jackson.

The players will find out the result next Saturday when the NFL releases its weekly gameday accountability report. Players have the right to appeal any fine they are given.