New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers expected to be fined for late hit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 4:09 PM ET

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had one of his worst games of the season in a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and could face more consequences from the game in the coming days.

Rodgers struggled against an aggressive pass rush from the Bills, throwing two interceptions and being sacked four times, including a second-quarter safety. He was eventually pulled to start the fourth quarter in favor of backup Tyrod Taylor, but not before making what could be an expensive mistake.

After Bills cornerback Christian Benford picked off a pass from Rodgers in the third quarter, the Jets quarterback chased him toward the sidelines and gave Benford a two-handed shove out of bounds. Officials flagged Rodgers for a late hit, moving the Bills deeper into Jets' territory and leading to a touchdown.

The infraction could end up costing Rodgers with the NFL. The league issues fines for late hits, listing a $11,255 fine for first-time offenders, and Rodgers would be in line for the punishment when it's announced next Saturday.

Rodgers has faced fines in the past, including one for $14,650 issued in March 2022 for violating protocols for unvaccinated players. He was also fined more than $50K by the Jets for an unexcused absence from the team's mandatory minicamp — for a trip to Egypt.

The Jets quarterback said at the time that the trip had been long-planned and was worth taking a fine from the team.

"Back in some of the doldrums of the rehab, I thought it'd be fun to put together a trip with some friends," Rodgers said, via CBS Sports. "I had a great talk with Robert. Obviously he wanted me to be there [for minicamp]. I knew the consequences if I wasn't gonna be there. The reaction is what it is."

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

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