Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Shedeur Sanders Incident

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

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns lost to the Tennessee Titans 31-29 in Week 14. It was just the third career start for the rookie fifth-round quarterback.

He finished the game completing 23-of-42 passes for 364 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and a 97.7 passer rating. He also rushed the ball three times for 29 yards and one touchdown.

While trying to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, Sanders completed a 13-yard pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. However, Titans linebacker Jihad Ward was also flagged for roughing the passer for a hit on Sanders.

The play came with 2:43 left in the fourth quarter and netted Cleveland an extra 15 yards. The drive concluded with a seven-yard receiving touchdown to Fannin, and after failing the two-point conversion, the Browns trailed 31-29.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Ward's penalty may not have cost the Titans the win, but it does mean he could receive an additional punishment from the NFL. The league's rules enforcement guidelines state a player can be fined $17,398 for roughing the passer.

The NFL released its gameday accountability report on Saturday, giving a final ruling for Ward. Interestingly, he did not receive a roughing the passer fine for the play. Instead, it was $7,806 for a blow to the head/neck for his hit on Sanders. In total, the NFL handed out 17 fines, which is 12 fewer than in Week 13.

After receiving his fine, Ward and the Titans (2-11) get ready for an away matchup against the San Francisco 49ers (9-4).

As for the recipient of his hit, Sanders has already been named Cleveland's starter for the rest of the season. He and the Browns (3-10) have lost two straight games and look to bounce back on the road against the Chicago Bears (9-4) in Week 15.

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

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