The NFL has issued a fine to a Detroit Lions defender stemming from an incident during the team’s Week 14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
League officials announced Saturday that linebacker Alex Anzalone was among several players disciplined for on-field conduct from the Week 14 games. Anzalone was assessed a $17,698 fine after being cited for unnecessary roughness, specifically for actions categorized as striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing.
This marks the second time during the season that Anzalone has been fined by the league. His first fine came after Detroit’s Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, when he was initially penalized $12,172 for unnecessary roughness. Following an appeal, the league acknowledged the contact was incidental and reduced the fine, though Anzalone still paid more than $9,000. He publicly voiced his frustration with the ruling at the time.
Despite the fine, Detroit emerged victorious against Dallas with a 44–30 win, an important result as both teams remain in the playoff hunt. The Lions are still outside the postseason picture, but the win provided a major boost to their chances.
One of the biggest factors in Detroit’s success was a revitalized pass rush that consistently pressured Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. After recording just one sack combined over their previous two games, the Lions brought Prescott down five times on Thursday night.
Veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad led the defensive surge, notching three sacks and increasing his season total to a team-leading nine. His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Anzalone credited the team’s collective effort after the game, noting that while they aimed to create pressure throughout, the defensive line was able to consistently win one-on-one matchups in the second half.
Anzalone continues to play a major role on Detroit’s defense and is once again serving as a team captain. In the final year of his current deal, he has delivered solid production, totaling 79 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, and one interception.
Several Cowboys players were also fined for their actions in the game. Former Lions defender James Houston, originally drafted by Detroit in 2022, was penalized $5,722 for a hit to the head of quarterback Jared Goff. Dallas tight end Hunter Luepke received an $8,537 fine, while wide receiver George Pickens was fined $11,593.
The Lions are set to return to the field Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. A victory would significantly improve Detroit’s postseason outlook, especially with the Rams currently holding the top spot in the NFC.
