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Steelers LB Patrick Queen Receives Hefty Punishment From NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 6:41 PM ET

Patrick Queen and the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't get it done in Week 2, falling to 1-1 after a 31-17 loss to Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Queen had a decent game despite the loss, tallying six tackles and one tackle for loss.

With 10:34 left in the first quarter of the Steelers’ loss to the Seahawks, Darnold connected with wide receiver Tory Horton for a 21-yard touchdown, the game’s first points.

On the play, Queen blitzed through an offensive lineman and the running back, closing in on the quarterback. As Darnold released the ball, Queen attempted to deflect the pass but struck him in the facemask, while Cameron Heyward simultaneously delivered a hit that knocked Darnold to the ground.

For his actions toward Darnold, the NFL fined Queen $17,389 for "a hit on the quarterback," describing it as a "blow to the head/neck."

Queen wasn't the only NFL player to be fined for an illegal hit on the quarterback. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy was also charged $17,389 for using his "body weight" to bring down the quarterback.

"Patrick Queen was fined $17,389 for this hit, deemed a blow to the head," A to Z Sports' Rob Gregson wrote on X.

Patrick Queen was fined $17,389 for this hit, deemed a blow to the head. #Steelers @DKPghSports

pic.twitter.com/2UDTciL0Y1
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) September 20, 2025

Queen had a strong start to his Steelers tenure in 2024, making his second Pro Bowl appearance. This year, however, he has totaled only 14 tackles. Pittsburgh will be back in action on Sunday with a Week 3 matchup on the road against the New England Patriots.

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

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