The NFL has taken disciplinary action against a Pittsburgh Steelers defender following an illegal play involving Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during last week’s contest.
Pittsburgh narrowly defeated Detroit 29–24 in a game that came down to the final snap. The Lions’ last offensive drive was extended after Goff was taken down on a play that resulted in a penalty, and the league has since followed up with additional punishment related to that moment.
Alex Highsmith Fined by League
On Saturday, the NFL confirmed that Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith received a $12,172 fine for tripping Goff late in the fourth quarter. Although Highsmith initially brought Goff down for a sack, officials ruled the play a penalty, wiping out the sack and moving the ball to the Steelers’ 36-yard line.
Detroit capitalized on the field position and moved close to the end zone. The Lions briefly believed they had won the game when Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in a pass and lateraled to Goff, who crossed the goal line. That celebration was short-lived, as referees assessed St. Brown with offensive pass interference, nullifying the touchdown and sealing the Steelers’ victory.
The loss proved costly for Detroit, as it severely damaged the team’s playoff outlook. Those postseason hopes were officially extinguished after the Lions fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
Highsmith was not the only Pittsburgh player fined stemming from the game. Defensive lineman Yahya Black was also penalized $5,194 for an inappropriate gesture during the opening quarter.
Goff Addresses Lions’ Late-Season Struggles
Detroit’s defeat against Pittsburgh marked the second consecutive loss for the Lions, something the team hadn’t experienced in over three years. That streak grew to three games following Thursday’s loss to Minnesota, leading to visible frustration from Goff.
After the Vikings game, Goff pointed to the team’s inability to maintain momentum after a strong drive before halftime.
“We executed well on that drive and converted some key third downs,” Goff said. “But they adjusted coming out of halftime, and we didn’t respond the way we needed to.”
Goff also credited Minnesota’s defensive approach, noting how it exposed weaknesses in Detroit’s offense.
“They had a solid defensive plan,” he said. “They pressured us consistently and brought extra rushers, which made things difficult. We thought we had answers for it, but it just didn’t come together.”
With the season now complete, the Lions head into the offseason facing several roster questions. Key depth players such as wide receiver Kalif Raymond, tight end Shane Zylstra, and backup quarterback Kyle Allen are set to hit free agency, leaving Detroit with important decisions ahead as it prepares for next season.
