A Pittsburgh Steelers defender received a hefty fine for his brutal hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Courtesy of the NFL's accountability report, Brisker was fined $17,911 for a "blow to the head/neck" on Watson in the Steelers' Week 8 win over the Browns.
The NFL fined Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker $17,911 for this hit on Deshaun Watson last week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 7, 2026
Watson entered the concussion protocol a day later and has since cleared. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Sunday vs. New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/4EFpoA2gNj
With 13:37 remaining in the first quarter, Watson was hit by Brisker on third down — the third offensive play of the game — which at first glance seemed like the Steelers had gotten the Browns off the field. Unfortunately,
the officials threw a late flag and ruled roughing the passer, keeping the Browns' opening drive hopes alive.
Watson stayed down for a while after the hit and exited the field in order to be evaluated for a concussion. Although Watson was able to return and finish the game, the Browns made the decision the following week to start quarterback Shedeur Sanders while placing Watson in concussion protocol ahead of Week 9.
Brisker's hit on Watson wasn't the only controversial play from the Steelers' Week 8 win over the Browns, as Steelers offensive lineman Mason McCormick also received plenty of backlash from Browns fans for dumping defensive end Jared Verse on his head. Luckily, the NFL didn't feel the same way and subsequently decided not to pursue any punishment.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers defender was fined for brutal hit on Browns QB DeShaun Watson
