NFL fines Steelers RB Jaylen Warren nearly $50k, adds fines for George Pickens and Diontae Johnson

The NFL fined Steelers running back Jaylen Warren a whopping $48,556 for a block he made Sunday against the Rams.

As Kenny Pickett was rolling out, Warren stayed behind the line. There’s video of the play, but it’s difficult to see the actual block. However, Warren did duck his head as he took care of Rams rusher Michael Hoecht, so that’s a no-no. The officials didn’t call a penalty. But the league decided it was worthy of a hefty fine. Take a look:

Here’s the play that cost Jaylen Warren, wearing No. 30 and pass blocking here, a $48,556 fine for lowering the helmet. https://t.co/vBgXIlyVIu pic.twitter.com/YjJJOrdvq1

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 28, 2023

NFL tagged Steelers receivers George Pickens, Diontae Johnson

The league also fined receiver George Pickens a total of $17,050 for two unsportsmanlike incidents. In addition, the NFL tagged fellow receiver Diontae Johnson for $10,927.

The NFL first docked Pickens for an illegal crackback block on Russ Yeast. The officials did throw a flag on Pickens, with the penalty wiping away a big catch for Johnson. Then the league fined Pickens for another incident with Yeast. This happened in the fourth quarter when Pickens taunted Yeast. Each incident cost Pickens $8528.

The fine on Johnson was triggered by an issue late in the game. Former Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon got tagged for defensive pass interference on Johnson. And Johnson taunted him with a finger wag.

“I didn’t really do nothing, I just kind of went like this,” Johnson told reporters after the game. He held up a finger to show what he’d done. “Ahkello Witherspoon, we’re cool. But the refs wouldn’t know. It’s just one of those situations I got to avoid. Just be smart.”

The Steelers were able to get the first down and clinch the 24-17 road win. But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted that several players lost their cool during the game.

“Obviously we got to clean up some things from a management of our emotions, but I would much rather say, ‘Whoa’ than ‘Sic ’em,'” Tomlin said in his post-game press conference. “We got some guys that are competitors. They just got to compete in the appropriate and mature and professional way. We use it as a learning experience. It’s good to learn while sitting at 4-2 as opposed to 3-3.”

The Steelers (4-2) play host to the Jaguars (5-2), Sunday, at Acrisure Stadium.