New England Patriots defensive end Gabe Jacas has been fined by the NFL for a late hit on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, according to a report from Heavy.com. The penalty stems from a play during a recent matchup between the two teams.
The league's disciplinary action targets Jacas for unnecessary roughness after he made contact with Williams after the quarterback had released the ball. The exact amount of the fine was not disclosed in the initial report.
Williams, the Bears' rookie signal-caller, has been a focal point of opposing defenses this season. The fine underscores the NFL's continued emphasis on protecting quarterbacks from late or dangerous hits.
Jacas, a defensive end for New England, will have the opportunity to appeal the fine through the standard NFL appeals process. The Patriots and Bears organizations have not issued public statements regarding the discipline.
