Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Daniel Jones Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 4:17 PM ET

Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts dropped their second straight game in Week 13, falling to 8-4 on the 2025 NFL season after a 20-16 loss to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. Jones still had a decent outing despite the loss, completing 14-of-27 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns.

With 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Jones was attempting to lead the Colts from behind. On 2nd-and-8, he tried to hit wideout Alec Pierce, but the pass fell incomplete. However, Indianapolis caught a break when Houston defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. was called for roughing the passer after hitting Jones late, giving the Colts 15 yards and a free first down.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones during an NFL gameJayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

And with Settle's hit on Jones, the NFL certainly took a look at the play for a potential fine. Normally, the league fines players up to $17,389 for a first roughing the passer offense, which can increase to $23,186 upon a second violation. However, Settle dodged a bullett, not receiving a fine from the league.

In Week 13 alone, 29 fines were handed out after 2,518 total snaps, marking 1.15% of all plays. The only player from Colts vs. Texans who was fined was Houston wideout Nico Collins ($14,491) after a "violent gesture."

Roughing the passer has been one of the most common fines during the 2025 NFL season. Prior to Week 13 , 15 such fines had been issued, totaling $228,059. Settle’s teammate Azeez Al-Shaair was charged $17,389 for a similar offense in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.