ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The NFL fined Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa following last Sunday's home win against Kansas City.
Epenesa was fined for unnecessary roughness early in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 30-21 victory. The NFL said he used a hip-drop tackle to take down running back Carson Steele on a swing pass that went for a 5-yard gain.
The referees did not flag Epenesa on the play that led to the $15,400 fine. The Chiefs scored a touchdown on that drive and closed within 23-21 with a little less than eight minutes to play.
Epenesa actually drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on the game's second play, where safety Taylor Rapp intercepted Patrick Mahomes, but did not draw a fine for that. Buffalo scored a touchdown on that ensuing drive.
The NFL also fined two Chiefs for actions during Sunday's game. They just so happened to be their best players on offense and defense.
Mahomes was fined $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct after making a "violent gesture." He appeared to mimic shooting a rifle after he threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to help get Kansas City within two points.
Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones was docked $11,255 for unnecessary roughness after grabbing a facemask.
The NFL announces player fines every Saturday afternoon during the season. For Week 11, there were 19 plays resulting in fines for on-field discipline during 2,247 total plays.
Bills fines from the NFL this season include:
- Week 1, O'Cyrus Torrence, unnecessary roughness (facemask), $7,855
- Week 4, Dawuane Smoot, unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing), $8,156
- Week 6, Dion Dawkins, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255
- Week 6, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (low block), $11,817
- Week 7, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player), $16,883
- Week 8, Joe Andreessen, unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet), $4,421
- Week 9, Taylor Rapp, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255
- Week 10, Spencer Brown, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255
- Week 10, Jordan Phillips, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $6,722
- Week 11, A.J. Epenesa, unnecessary roughness (hip-drop tackle), $15,400