Why Did The NFL Fine Jaquan Brisker $17,911 After His Hit On Deshaun Watson?

Jaquan Brisker was fined $17,911 for his hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.© Image via: X/@Browns

Jaquan Brisker said he didn't expect a fine. The NFL had other ideas, handing the Pittsburgh Steelers safety a $17,911 bill for his hit on Deshaun Watson during the Cleveland Browns' opening drive. It was a blow to the head or neck, the league ruled, and it came with 13:37 left in the first quarter of a 27-6 Steelers win. Watson went to the medical tent for a check, returned, and finished the game. Days later, symptoms hit. Brisker is still joking about a binky while Cleveland sorts out its quarterback plan for New Orleans.

Jaquan Brisker Shrugs Off The Fine While Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Spot Another Flag

Brisker met the penalty with a shrug. "I assume I won't get fined," Brisker said after the game. He then took aim at the call itself. "He had his binky today, so they threw it out there," Brisker said, referring to the flag.

The roughing-the-passer penalty gave Cleveland 15 free yards and kept the drive going. Pittsburgh still won comfortably, so the joke now carries a price tag.

Breaking: Shedeur Sanders will start at QB for the Browns this week as Deshaun Watson recovers from a concussion, head coach Todd Monken announced. https://t.co/iSBaJuLwDP

— ESPN (@espn) November 6, 2026

Fans noticed something else. Guard Mason McCormick body slammed Browns edge rusher Jared Verse and drew a flag, yet SB Nation reported no fine for him at the time of writing. Pittsburgh now rests on a bye week, alone in first place in the AFC North at 6-2.

Shedeur Sanders Steps In For The Cleveland Browns As Deshaun Watson Recovers From Concussion

Watson's afternoon was rough even before the health news. Pittsburgh sacked him eight times for 41 yards. Cleveland lost two fumbles, ran for only 34 yards, and never scored a touchdown, despite Watson's 324 passing yards. The Browns fell to 5-3.

He passed evaluations after the game and again Monday morning. By Tuesday, after his condition changed Monday night, he had reported symptoms and entered the protocol. He cleared it Saturday but remains questionable against the Saints.

Coach Todd Monken had already settled the matter. "Shedeur will start at quarterback," Monken said in his Friday news conference. Sanders took the first-team reps all week, and this will be his first start of the season. As a rookie, he went 3-4 in seven starts, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Watson could still dress as the backup, though Monken has not committed. "Haven't decided that yet. We're still, you know, working through that, working through his ability to clear it," Monken said. Dillon Gabriel is the other option for that job.