Both incidents took place in the second quarter. On a third-and-8 from the Texans’ 8-yard line, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed a pass to Tre’ Harris, who lost 7 yards before Pitre made the tackle. Rules analyst Gene Steratore said during the broadcast that the play appeared to involve a hit on a defenseless player. Pitre’s second infraction came shortly before halftime, when Herbert connected with tight end Charlie Kolar for a 5-yard gain and Pitre made the stop.
The NFL’s listed fine for an initial use-of-the-helmet violation is $23,882, increasing to $47,762 for a repeat offense. Pitre’s two fines were below the full listed amount for either violation. The league also fined Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson $12,537 for striking, kicking or kneeing an opponent.
Jackson’s incident occurred in the fourth quarter. After a second-and-4 play from the Chargers’ 34-yard line ended with no gain, officials flagged him for unnecessary roughness following a post-play altercation with Texans tight end Marlin Klein. Texans running back Marlowe Wax was stopped on the play, with Marlowe Wax receiving credit for the tackle.
Several players avoided additional fines despite being penalized during the game. Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still and Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart were each flagged for face-mask infractions, but the NFL did not fine them. Face-mask fines can reach $11,941 for a first offense and $17,911 for a second.
The league’s decisions reflected its discretion in reviewing game incidents: it fined players for some uncalled infractions, declined to fine others who were penalized during the game, and issued amounts that did not always match the listed maximums. Pitre and the Texans were scheduled to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 10.
