The Chicago Bears got bad news from the NFL about Clark Phillips ahead of “Monday Night Football” against the Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL announced on October 31 that it has fined Phillips $11,550.
It is the result of an infraction committed during the Bears’ Week 7 win over the New England Patriots on “Monday Night Football.” More specifically, Phillips was fined for “unnecessary roughness” over impermissible “use of the helmet.”
Bears’ Clark Phillips Fined Over Hit on Patriots’ Drake Maye
NFL Docks Bears CB Clark Phillips
On a second-and-goal play from the Bears 7-yard line in the second quarter, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown.
Phillips made the tackle, but a review showed Maye broke the plane of the end zone.
Phillips’ fine is less than the full amount the NFL notes players can be docked for such an infraction. First-time offenses can incur fines up to $23,882, per the NFL. A second-time offense can garner a fine as high as $47,762.
Notably, Phillips was also not flagged for the infraction during the game, underscoring one of the more difficult part of the NFL’s review process for players.
Few are ever clear of punishment before the following week’s game commences.
Patriots Player Fined Over Hit on Caleb Williams
Phillips’ fine was not the only one that came of this contest. He is the only Bears player who was docked, though, which is good news for head coach Ben Johnson and Co.
The NFL also went after Patriots EDGE Gabe Jacas over his hit on Bears QB Caleb Williams.
During the second quarter on a second-and-11 from the Bears 30-yard line, Williams found wide receiver Luther Burden III for a 22-yard game. Patriots cornerback Charles Woods and linebacker Robert Spillane made the stop.
However, officials flagged Jacas for roughing the passer. The call gifted the Bears another 15 yards on a drive that ended in a touchdown to Burden.
The NFL has fined Jacas $8,744 for a “late hit” on a QB.
Late hits can result in $11,941 fines for first-time offenses and $17,911 thereafter. Roughing calls can lead to a fine of as much as $17,911 the first time. Fines can climb as high as $23,882 for second offenses.
It is not uncommon for the NFL to fine players reduced amounts for first-time offenses, which this is for Jacas, the 55th overall pick of the 2026 draft.
Both teams will look to play cleaner in their Week 8 matchups.
Phillips and the Bears are on the road against the Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions. Jacas and the Patriots are also on the road, taking on one of their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins.
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