Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Joe Flacco Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 5:43 PM ET

Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals dropped to 3-7 after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-12 in Week 11. The 40-year-old quarterback had one of his worst games since being traded to the Bengals.

He finished the game, completing 23-of-40 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and a 68.6 passer rating. He was also sacked once for a loss of seven yards.

On a third-and-8 play with 12:47 left in the second quarter, Flacco threw an incomplete pass to tight end Tanner Hudson. However, instead of Cincinnati facing a fourth down, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was flagged for roughing the passer.

The 15-yard penalty wound up not having too much of an effect on the game, as the Bengals punted by the end of the drive.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16).Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, the flag meant that Watt could receive punishment from the NFL. According to the league's rules guidelines, players can be fined $17,389 for roughing the passer and $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.

On Saturday, the NFL announced its Week 11 fines, handing a total of 23, which accounted for 0.97% of the plays. Watt was not on the list, though, meaning he avoided punishment for his hit on Flacco.

The only player on the Steelers who got fined was cornerback Jalen Ramsey ($14,491) for his scuffle with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

According to Spotrac, since joining the league in 2017, Watt has been fined twice for rushing the passer. One came in 2023 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and another in 2018 against the Atlanta Falcons.

After avoiding this punishment, Watt and the Steelers traveled to Soldier Field for a Week 12 matchup against the 7-3 Chicago Bears.

As for the recipient of his hit, Flacco is looking to end the Bengals' three-game losing streak, going up against the 9-2 New England Patriots at home.

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

More must-reads: