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NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Shedeur Sanders Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 4:39 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns improved to 3-8 by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 in Week 12. The fifth-round rookie made his first career start, filling in for Dillon Gabriel, who was ruled out due to a concussion.

Sanders had a decent game, completing 11-of-20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, one interception and an 87.3 passer rating. He was also sacked once, resulting in a loss of three yards.

On a first-and-10 play with 53 seconds left in the third quarter, Sanders threw an incomplete pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. However, instead of Cleveland facing a second down, Raiders defensive tackle, Adam Butler was flagged for roughing the passer.

The 15-yard penalty gave the Browns an automatic first down. The drive ended with a field goal that extended their lead to 17-3.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Along with costing Las Vegas 15 yards, the flag meant Butler could receive additional punishment from the NFL. According to the league guidelines, players can be fined $17,389 for roughing the passer, with the total increasing to $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.

The NFL revealed its fines for Week 12 on Saturday, making an official decision on the Raiders defender. The good news for Butler is that he did not receive a fine for his hit on Sanders. In fact, of the 13 fines handed out, none were due to roughing the passer penalties.

With a fine avoided, Butler and the 2-9 Raiders now move on and look to end their five-game losing streak. They hit the road for a Week 13 matchup against the 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers.

As for the recipient of his hit, Sanders is trying to help the Browns pick up their fourth win of the season, hosting the 8-4 San Francisco 49ers. Despite Gabriel being healthy, head coach Kevin Stefanski already named Sanders as the starter.

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

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