NFL Facing Punishment Decision on Stefon Diggs Incident

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NFL Facing Punishment Decision on Stefon Diggs Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 23, 2026 11:30 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha will await the league’s decision after his hit on Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Diggs took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Mustapha on Monday in Week 6 action at Levi’s Stadium.

The play happened in the first quarter. Mustapha hit Diggs after an incomplete third-and-5 pass. Although Mustapha’s helmet made contact with Diggs’ helmet, the referees didn’t flag the play for a penalty. The broadcast suggested, however, that it was potentially an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit.

The hit also left Diggs with an injured right middle finger, which made Washington’s 23-17 loss sting even more.

Here’s a look at the shot that Diggs took straight to the helmet on this pass. He also had to have his hand looked at. No flags thrown on this play pic.twitter.com/NPkLQo8zwC
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 20, 2026

The four-time Pro Bowler finished with six receptions on seven targets for 44 yards and one touchdown as the team fell to 1-4-1. Meanwhile, San Francisco remained undefeated at 6-0.

The NFL will now review the incident and decide whether to fine Mustapha.

According to Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10 of the 2026 NFL rulebook, impermissible use of a helmet is when a player “lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent; or uses any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head and neck.”

The NFL fines schedule lists impermissible helmet use as a $23,882 fine for a first offense and a $47,762 penalty for a second offense.

This could be Mustapha’s second consecutive week facing punishment. He was fined $6,998 for hitting a defenseless player in Week 5. Fines are typically announced via the weekly accountability report, released every Saturday.

Washington will enjoy a bye week before returning in Week 8 to face the Philadelphia Eagles at home.

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

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