NFL Makes Punishment Decision After Ja'Marr Chase Incident

Officials flagged Joseph for unnecessary roughness on the late hit against Chase, resulting in a 15-yard penalty. The NFL typically fines players up to $11,593 for a first late-hit offense, with the amount increasing to $17,389 for a second. However, the league chose not to fine Joseph for the play.

While Joseph wasn’t fined for his hit on Dart, Lions tight end Brock Wright was penalized $11,883 for “striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing” against the Bengals. The only player fined for a late hit in Week 5 was New England Patriots defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, who was charged $5,591.

Only two other players have been fined for a late hit through the first five weeks of the 2025 season, including Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Hayward ($6,327) and Tennessee Titans linebacker James Williams ($5,457), both coming in Week 1. In total, the NFL has handed out three late hit fines for $17,375.

Up next for Chase and the Bengals, a Week 6 matchup on the road against Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers. But Chase will have a new quarterback as Joe Flacco, acquired from the Cleveland Browns via trade, is expected to start.