NFL Makes Final Decision on Deshaun Watson Incident

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

NFL Makes Final Decision on Deshaun Watson Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 7:23 AM ET

Carolina Panthers linebacker Bobby Okereke avoided a hefty fine for a personal foul on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The Browns recorded their second win of the season on Sept. 27, holding off Carolina, 21-18, in their Week 3 matchup at Huntington Bank Field.

A crucial fourth-quarter play saved Cleveland from what would have been their second loss of the season. With 2:29 left in the game, Watson threw an interception in the end zone, which could have sealed the win for the Panthers.

However, officials called Okereke for roughing the passer on Watson, wiping out the interception. It also resulted in a 15-yard penalty against Carolina and an automatic first down for Cleveland.

Watson then found Harold Fannin Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown with 1:48 left, and connected with Denzel Boston for a two-point conversion. This gave the Browns a 21-18 lead. Ronnie Hickman closed out the win with an interception on Bryce Young in Carolina’s final possession.

Deshaun Watson Left The Game After This Play, This Was Also Called Roughing The Passer.

Shedeur Sanders Came In For 1 Play. pic.twitter.com/hVuPcQyqJF
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 27, 2026

The good news for Okereke and the Panthers, however, is that the NFL decided not to fine the linebacker. Okereke’s roughing-the-passer penalty was not included in the league’s Week 3 disciplinary report on Saturday, meaning he avoided a hefty $17,911 fine.

While Okereke dodged the fine, three Carolina players were slapped with a total of $26,146 for three separate plays during the same game.

Defensive tackle Lee Hunter was fined $10,174 for taunting in the third quarter. Outside linebacker Thomas Incoom was fined $9,222 for unnecessary roughness and use of the helmet on the opening play of the second half. Finally, running back A.J. Dillon was fined $6,750 for a face mask penalty in the fourth quarter.

The Browns recorded their third win of the season on Thursday, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24. The Panthers, meanwhile, improved to 2-2 after beating the Detroit Lions, 32-26 on Sunday.

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

More must-reads: