NFL issues three fines for player safety fouls that count toward possible suspensions

Published September 19, 2026 05:44 PM The first week of the 2026 season featured three fouls that will count toward possible suspensions. Bills defensive back Sam Franklin was fined $9,425 for a blindside block, Packers defensive back Evan Williams was fined $7,087 for a hit on a defenseless player, and Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson was fined $17,911 for a hip-drop tackle. Under a new rule adopted for this year, players who pick up three fouls for five specific player safety rules will be suspended. The three fouls above all qualify under the rule as well as fouls for horse-collar tackles and launching. The suspension would come into effect for three violations of the same rule. Players can appeal the fines and any player that ends the season with one violation of a rule will get 50 percent of the fine paid back to them.