The focus isn’t limited to him, as several Chargers players could also drew attention from the NFL after the contest. One notable moment involved a play on Rams quarterback Matthew Caldwell that could draw review.
Rams rookie Darryl Peterson III, an undrafted free agent, recorded a sack on Chargers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei on a second-and-11, forcing a fumble that allowed Ty Simpson—substituting for Caldwell, who left the game injured on a separate play—to take a knee for victory formation. The play, however, was noted by Chargers broadcasters for helmet-to-helmet contact with Uiagalelei.
Whether helmet-to-helmet contact should be a penalty on that play is debated, especially since officials did not call anything on the field. If the NFL determines a violation after review, Peterson could face a first-time fine of up to $23,882, with second offenses rising to as much as $47,762, per league fines guidelines.
This would be Peterson’s second preseason fine. He previously received a $4,935 fine for a horse-collar tackle on Emmett Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. He did not receive a flag in the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. Still, the NFL can issue fines after review for plays that were not flagged during games, so Peterson and his Rams teammates aren’t entirely in the clear. Rosters will be cut down on August 30.
The Chargers, the home team in this exhibition, had their own potential trouble spots to watch.
Three Chargers players were identified as candidates for possible league discipline. In the third quarter, Chargers offensive lineman Alex Harkey was called for a facemask on a Rams play, which would be subject to review and potential fine. First-time infractions can carry fines up to $11,941, while second offenses can reach $17,911.
In the fourth quarter, on a fourth-and-3, Chargers defensive lineman Nick Barrett drew a roughing-the-passer penalty on Caldwell. That play produced a 15-yard gain and Caldwell later threw a touchdown on the same drive; fines for roughing the passer can be $17,911 for a first offense and up to $23,882 for subsequent offenses.
Later in the fourth, on a first-and-10 at the Rams’ 19-yard line, Chargers cornerback Rodney Shelley was flagged for unnecessary roughness on a tackle of Jordan Waters. Depending on the infraction, first-time penalties can range from $11,941 to $23,882, while second offenses can cost between $17,911 and $47,762. Fines are at the league’s discretion, and the exact amounts and recipients may vary after review.
For fans following league discipline, these reviews occur after each game, and the final outcomes depend on the league’s findings.
This summary reflects the game and the ensuing discussions around potential penalties following the exhibition matchup between the Rams and Chargers.
