The Detroit Lions find themselves facing a difficult path toward the postseason and must now turn their full attention to Sunday’s crucial matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on December 21.
Still, fallout from last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams continues to surface.
Following Detroit’s 41–34 defeat to Los Angeles on December 14, the NFL has issued discipline to a Rams player for conduct that occurred during that contest.
In the aftermath of the loss, Lions head coach Dan Campbell delivered a pointed message to his team, emphasizing that repeated setbacks cannot become routine.
“You can’t let these losses numb you,” Campbell said after the game. “It should bother you. It should stick with you. We’re going to come in, review everything — players, coaches, every phase — make the necessary corrections, and then move forward.”
Each week during the season, the NFL reviews on-field incidents and announces fines or other penalties for violations from the previous slate of games.
According to the league, these disciplinary measures are intended to reduce unnecessary danger, maintain fairness, and protect the integrity of competition. The list of infractions and corresponding penalties is agreed upon by the NFL and the Players Association prior to the start of the season.
On Saturday, December 20, the league announced that Rams safety Jaylen McCollough was fined $5,361 for a first-quarter violation against Detroit. The fine stems from an “unnecessary roughness” call related to improper helmet use at the 13:06 mark of the opening quarter.
Funds collected from NFL fines are allocated to charitable causes, including the Professional Athletes Foundation, which assists former players in need, and the NFL Foundation, which focuses on improving player health and safety at all levels of football.
McCollough does have the option to challenge the fine. Under league procedures, players may appeal disciplinary decisions, which are reviewed by a panel of former NFL players — Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson.
Those rulings are considered final once issued.
Campbell Stresses Urgency Ahead of Steelers Matchup
Campbell also made it clear that Detroit must raise its level of play immediately with Pittsburgh coming to town.
“We have to be better,” Campbell said. “Now you’ve seen firsthand what the upper tier of the NFC looks like. That’s where the Rams are. We’re not there yet.”
With the season winding down, Detroit’s margin for error has disappeared. If the Lions want to keep their playoff hopes alive, Sunday’s game against the Steelers is non-negotiable — a win is the only acceptable outcome.
