Two Carolina Panthers players were fined by the NFL for actions during a heated Week 11 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. In total, four players from the game received fines.
The league announced Saturday that receiver Tetairoa McMillan was fined $14,491 for an unsportsmanlike conduct/violent gesture in the second quarter with 1:35 remaining, specifically for making a gun signal with his hands. Cornerback Corey Thornton was fined $4,685 for unnecessary roughness on a defenseless player in the second quarter with 9:42 remaining.
In March 2025, the NFL updated its official list of unsportsmanlike conduct acts to include several gestures, joining other prohibited actions such as throat slashes, simulated firing or brandishing a gun, the “nose wipe,” and sexually suggestive acts.
For the Falcons, special teamer Jamal Agnew was fined $14,056 for illegal use of a helmet on a play in the first quarter with 5:25 remaining. Linebacker Arnold Ebiketie was also fined $15,589 for a hip-drop tackle in the third quarter with 1:57 remaining. Neither infraction was penalized during the game.
The Panthers (6-5) went on to defeat the Falcons 30–27 in overtime.
Tetairoa McMillan Has Sights Sets on Rookie of the Year
McMillan is putting together a stellar rookie season. The No. 8 overall pick out of Arizona has positioned himself firmly in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. For a while, it looked like New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart might be the favorite, but a concussion and lower on-field production have opened the door for McMillan, who ranks sixth in the NFL in receiving yards.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 16: Tetairoa McMillan #4 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Natrone Brooks #35 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka is also enjoying an impressive rookie campaign, and both he and McMillan currently sit among the league’s top 10 receivers in yardage.
Bryce Young Looks Better in Third Year
Against the odds, the Panthers have found ways to stay competitive this season and now sit just half a game out of first place in the NFC South.
Former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has taken a noticeable step forward in his third year, delivering a huge performance against the Falcons. He also battled through early pain in his right ankle—an injury that sent him to the locker room in the first quarter and briefly cast doubt on his return.
Young’s toughness paid off, as he went on to produce the most passing yards in a single game in Panthers history.
He finished with 448 yards, completing 31 of 45 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. To be fair, this came just a week after a quiet outing in which he threw for only 124 yards in a rough loss to the New Orleans Saints.
“I don’t take these games for granted,” Young said after the Falcons game. You know, the Lord blessed me to be here, to have this opportunity. And any time that I am able to go, I always want to do that. So in the moment, you’re just working through pain.”
Young delivered a go-ahead 12-yard touchdown pass to McMillan with 1:08 remaining, giving Carolina a 27–24 lead. However, Atlanta’s Zane Gonzalez answered with a 45-yard field goal with 16 seconds left to force overtime.
In the extra period, Young connected with Tommy Tremble on a 54-yard strike to set up the game-winning Ryan Fitzgerald kick, sealing the victory and completing the Panthers’ sweep of their struggling NFC South rival.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NFL Announces Harsh Punishment for Panthers Rookie WR in Falcons Win appeared first on Heavy Sports.