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NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Caleb Williams Incident
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- NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Caleb Williams Incident
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears improved to 11-4 after defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. It was a 22-16 overtime win after entering the fourth quarter down 13-3.
Williams finished the game completing 19-of-34 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 98.9 passer rating. He also rushed the ball three times, picking up 30 yards.
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On third-and-20 in the fourth quarter with 3:15 remaining on the clock, he was sacked by Packers defensive lineman Warren Brinson for a loss of six yards. However, that was negated due to Brinson getting flagged for a face mask penalty.
It gave the Bears 15 yards of field position and an automatic first down. Chicago ended the drive with a 43-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 16-9.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18).Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Not only did Brinson aid in the Bears' scoring drive, but his penalty put him in position to receive another punishment from the NFL . The league's rulebook states that a player can be fined $11,593 for a face mask violation and $17,389 for a second offense in the same season.
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The NFL revealed its Week 16 gameday accountability report on Saturday, giving an official ruling on Brinson's penalty against Williams. Unfortunately for him, he did receive a fine, though it was only $4,981. It's the first fine the rookie has received in his NFL career.
With this decision revealed, he and the Packers move on with a Week 17 matchup against the 7-8 Baltimore Ravens . It's a Saturday night matchup, with Green Bay having already clinched a playoff berth.
Meanwhile, Williams and the Bears face the 11-4 San Francisco 49ers on "Sunday Night Football." Either a Packers loss or a Bears win will clinch an NFC North title for Chicago.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
