One Commanders player is getting penalized by the NFL for a crucial play on Sunday that helped win the game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 7:57 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are ready to take on the Chicago Bears at home , but one player is receiving tough news before the game. The NFL is cracking down on penalties and fines, and some of them are outrageous and questionable. The Commanders beat the Los Angeles Chargers on the road, but one player is having to pay for a play he made last Sunday.

Player's safety has been the top priority of the NFL, and rightfully so, but that has led to an increase in fines on simple plays. Jeremy McNichols is the latest player to get fined by the NFL questionably.

This isn't the first fine for the Commanders this season, and it likely won't be the last.

Jeremy McNichols was fined for using his helmet

The league is paying close attention to every single play well after the game ends, and the fines are coming in hot on Saturdays. Last Sunday, McNichols had a big third-down conversion in the third quarter that helped the team, but cost him money this week. McNichols was fined $7,292 for lowering his helmet as he picked up the first down on a crucial drive.

Commanders RB Jeremy McNichols was fined $7,292 for unnecessary roughness against the Chargers. He lowered his helmet to initiate contact after his 12-yard catch in the third quarter.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2025

It wasn't a dirty play by any means, and it's very questionable to be fined for preparing your body for contact. The Commanders were up 17-10 and needed to add to the lead. It was third and 10 at the Chargers' 30, and McNichols made a big play on a swing pass to pick up a first down. He made one defender miss before going upfield along the sideline, where he was met by another defender coming in to lay a hit.

Big time play by the savvy Vet Jeremy McNichols on 3rd & 10.

Able to make a defender miss in space and then finishes the run through contact to pick up the first down.

A guy who makes the most of his limited opportunities. Important piece to this football team.… pic.twitter.com/TzYW7D0Z40
— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) October 8, 2025

Paying for a crucial play that went unnoticed

The Commanders eventually kicked a field goal on the drive to go up 20-10, and his first down conversion helped make the kick manageable with Gay struggling from beyond 50 yards. This is only the second time McNichols has been fined in his career, and he joins linebackers Frankie Luvu and Ale Kaho as the only players to be fined so far this season.

The NFL is cracking down on everything from hits to ball carriers preparing for contact, and for whatever reason, they didn't like him lowering his helmet. McNichols has made some big plays, including the 60-yard touchdown run against the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago. This play was an under-the-radar play that came at a cost, but was well worth it.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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