There were some brutal collisions during the Detroit Lions’ Monday night showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and none hit harder financially than the one Rachaad White delivered.
The NFL docked the Bucs running back $46,371 for improper helmet use, stemming from a first-quarter carry in Detroit’s 24–9 victory at Ford Field. Broadcast footage showed White lowering his helmet into Lions safety Erick Hallett on a short gain near midfield.
Though officials kept their flags in their pockets during the play, the league handed out punishment following its standard film review later in the week.
The steep fine was classified as a second violation for White. According to Article 10 of the NFL rulebook, a foul occurs when any player—offense or defense—“lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet” or otherwise uses it to make contact.
More on Buccaneers RB Rachaad White’s $46K Fine vs. Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White was hit with a fine approaching $50,000 for a helmet-related hit against the Lions in Week 7.
The initial penalty for illegal helmet use is $23,186, but a repeat offense rises to $46,371. White was previously fined for a similar act late in 2024, triggering the higher total this time. The league included the infraction in its weekly discipline report, emphasizing its commitment to reducing dangerous helmet contact. No one on Detroit’s sideline commented on the hit after the game.
Detroit’s defense dominated anyway, limiting Tampa Bay to 251 total yards and just 38 rushing yards from White. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The Lions leaned on rookie star Jahmyr Gibbs, who racked up 218 total yards and two touchdowns. The victory improved Detroit to 5–2 heading into their bye week.
Lions Eye Key NFC North Clash vs. Minnesota Vikings Next
When play resumes in Week 9, the Lions will host the Minnesota Vikings in a divisional battle with major playoff implications. Detroit has begun to shift the balance in a rivalry once owned by Minnesota, winning six of the past ten meetings after years of dominance by the Vikings.
Although Minnesota still leads the all-time series 80–45–2, Detroit’s surge—including a pair of convincing 2024 wins—has changed the narrative.
The Vikings, now 3–4, are trying to stay in the NFC Wild Card picture, and recent games between the two have been heated and competitive. Another statement win would give Detroit breathing room and further cement their status among NFC powerhouses like the Eagles and 49ers.
“Let the body heal and get ready for the stretch run,” head coach Dan Campbell said about the team’s mindset heading into the bye.
“The big push is coming. We’ve got divisional opponents, 10 (games) left until the playoffs, and then it’s on. It feels great being 5-2. I’m proud of the group. Are there areas to fix? Sure. The good part is we’ll be getting plenty of guys back soon. Over the next few weeks, you’ll start seeing players return, and that’s encouraging.”
