Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision for Caleb Williams Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 4:18 PM ET

The Chicago Bears were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in the divisional round.

Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams completed 23-of-42 passes for 257 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions and a 59.3 passer rating. He wasn't sacked at all, but did receive multiple hits.

With 5:43 left in the fourth quarter, Rams EDGE Jared Verse was flagged for roughing the passer. It came on a third-and-10 play that resulted in a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze. It moved the Bears up to the Rams' five-yard line, giving them first-and-goal.

However, the drive did not result in any points. Just four plays later, Chicago failed to convert on fourth down from the two-yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) at Allegiant Stadium.© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Verse's penalty meant he could receive a $17,389 fine from the NFL for roughing the passer. Since joining the NFL in 2024, he has been fined twice, totaling $26,880. The most recent was for taunting against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 of this season.

The league announced its ruling on Saturday in the divisional round game-day accountability report. Luckily for Verse, his name did not pop up, meaning he did not receive a fine. In fact, nobody on the Rams was fined.

Up next for the Rams and Verse is an NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The winner moves to compete for the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, Williams and the Bears enter the offseason. This was the furthest Chicago had made it in the playoffs since an NFC Championship Game loss to the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 season.

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

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