The Los Angeles Rams are enjoying their bye week after securing a 35-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Their next matchup will be against the New Orleans Saints. However, before returning to action, two Rams players received significant fines from the league.
The penalties were announced when the NFL released the Week 7 game-day fines report. The players fined are safety Quentin Lake and tight end Tyler Higbee.
Unsportsmanlike conduct fines total over $30,000
According to Essentiallysports, Quentin Lake faces a fine of $17,389 for a hip-drop tackle. The tackle was illegal under 2024 rules, even though officials did not flag it during the game. Lake plays a key role in the Rams’ defense, and coach Chris Shula emphasized his importance to the team’s strategy.
“Quentin Lake is a chess piece who does everything for Sean McVay’s defense… The Rams want to retain him if a deal makes sense,” said analyst Jeremy Fowler. Tyler Higbee was fined $14,491 for another prohibited action. Reports indicate that his offense involved the so-called “nose wipe” celebration, which also went unpenalized during the game.
Together, the fines total $31,880, highlighting the NFL’s strict approach to player conduct. Despite these penalties, the Jaguars walked away without fines, though their defeat was decisively lopsided.
The Rams now face a critical period before their next game. While they recover from the London matchup, the league’s enforcement serves as a clear reminder that even minor infractions can carry hefty financial consequences. Both Lake and Higbee are key contributors, making the fines not just a financial issue, but a potentially strategic concern for coach Sean McVay.
As the season progresses, the Rams must balance aggressive play with adherence to league rules. The fines underscore the NFL’s determination to maintain safety and sportsmanship, while reminding all teams that rule violations, whether flagged in real time or not, can carry serious repercussions.
