The NFL releases its list of fines every Saturday afternoon for the previous week’s infractions. For Week 1 of the 2026 season, the NFL announced 20 different fines across 16 games. In Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints, there was just one fined infraction: a lowering-of-the-helmet violation by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
The foul, which was not called a penalty on the field, occured on Gibbs’ 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave the Lions a 13-0 lead in the game. Gibbs took
the handoff, bounced outside, and lowered his helmet into the neck/chest area of Saints cornerback Quincy Riley. You can see the replay below:
If you’re wondering what is illegal about that play, here’s the relevant rule in the NFL’s official rulebook:
[Rule 12, Article 10]
IMPERMISSIBLE USE OF THE HELMET. It is a foul if a player:
(a) lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent
This was a new rule the NFL added in 2023 as an effort to protect players’ health. Previously, it had been a common occurrence for running backs to lower their head in order to get lower than the defender, gain leverage, and physically blow through contract. That naturally led to a lot of violent collisions, particularly to the head.
“That will have the longest lasting impact,” the NFL’s executive vice president, communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said of the new rule when installed. “You can’t use your helmet to hit somebody in the head. The goal is to change the culture.”
If there were any fines from the Lions vs. Bills game on Thursday night, the NFL will reveal them next Saturday.
