NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Josh Allen Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 39-34 in Week 14. It was a comeback win after heading into halftime trailing 21-11.

Allen finished the game, completing 22-of-28 passes for 251 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 139.7 passer rating. He also rushed for 78 yards and one touchdown on nine carries.

On a fourth-and-4 play with 7:27 left in the second quarter, Allen threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Khalil Shakir. On the same play, Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai was flagged for roughing the passer.

Instead of then kicking the extra point, Buffalo moved the ball up for a two-point conversion and successfully converted. It cut the deficit to 14-11.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17).Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Not only did Ossai's penalty put the Bills in a better spot for the two-point try, but it meant he was under review for another punishment. In the NFL, a player can be fined $17,389 for roughing the passer and $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.

The NFL released all of its Week 14 fines on Saturday. Luckily for Ossai, he was not fined for his hit on Allen. If he had, it would have been his second of the season after losing $11,593 for a face mask call against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He and the 4-9 Bengals now prepare for a Week 15 matchup at home against the 6-7 Baltimore Ravens. They're looking to sweep the season series over them after winning 32-14 in the last matchup.

As for the recipient of his hit, Allen is looking to help the 9-4 Bills win their third straight game. Buffalo is hitting the road for an AFC East showdown against the 11-2 New England Patriots.

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

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