There were some hard hits that took place during the Detroit Lions‘ Monday night game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Rachaad White’s wallet took one of the hardest.
The NFL fined the Bucs running back $46,371 for impermissible use of the helmet, stemming from a first-quarter run in Detroit’s 24–9 win at Ford Field. Video from the broadcast showed White lowering his head into Lions safety Erick Hallett on a short gain near midfield.
No flag was thrown in the game, but the league assessed discipline after its routine film review later in the week.
The fine amount was significant because it qualified as a second offense for White. Under Article 10 of the NFL rulebook, it’s a foul if any player—on offense or defense—“lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet” or otherwise uses it to make forcible contact.
More on Buccaneers RB Rachaad White’s Near-50 K Fine vs. the Detroit Lions
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was fined nearly $50,000 for a hit against the Detroit Lions Week 7.
A first offense for impermissible use of the helmet costs $23,186; a second jumps to $46,371. White had been fined for a similar incident late in 2024, which triggered the higher penalty this time around. The league included his infraction in its weekly discipline summary, noting that all such fines are part of its ongoing effort to curb dangerous helmet use. No one on Detroit’s sideline addressed the specific play postgame.
The Lions’ defense dominated the game regardless, holding the Bucs to 251 total yards and just 38 rushing yards from White. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield finished 28-of-50 for 228 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Detroit, meanwhile, leaned on running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished with 218 total yards and two TDs. The win moved the Lions to 5–2 as they head into their bye week.
Lions Have Huge Divisional Matchup vs. Minnesota Vikings Next
When they return in Week 9, the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings in a divisional matchup that could shape the NFC playoff race. Detroit has slowly turned the tide in a rivalry long dominated by Minnesota, winning six of the last ten meetings after decades of one-sided results.
The Vikings still lead the all-time series 80–45–2, but the Lions’ recent run—including a pair of convincing wins in 2024—has flipped the script.
The Vikings, at 3–4, are fighting to stay relevant in the NFC Wild Card hunt, and games between these two have been ultra-competitive and pretty chippy in recent years. Another strong showing would give Detroit breathing room in the standings and reaffirm its place among the conference’s elite teams, alongside the Eagles and 49ers.
“Let the body heal a little bit and get right for the last push,” Dan Campbell said about where the team is heading into the bye.
“The big push will be here. We get the divisional opponents, 10 (games) until the playoffs and then it’s on. It feels good to get to 5-2. I’m pleased with the team. Are there things to clean up? Yeah, there is. The good news is that we are going to start to get a lot of players back. You are going to see players start to come back over the next month, so that is encouraging.”
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