NFL Contemplating Punishment for Daniel Jones Incident

The Indianapolis Colts endured a second straight defeat on Sunday as they fell 20-16 to the Houston Texans in Week 13, following a 23-20 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered a solid performance, completing 14 of 27 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Despite his efforts, the Colts were unable to overcome the Texans, who secured their fourth consecutive win on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The game featured a controversial moment in the fourth quarter involving Jones as the Colts tried to narrow the deficit. The play is now under NFL review and may result in disciplinary action.

Jones has been a standout for Indianapolis this season. After joining the team on a one-year, $14 million deal, the former New York Giants quarterback is experiencing arguably the best year of his career. Across 12 games, he has completed 256 of 377 passes (67.9%) for 3,041 yards, with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

During Sundays matchup, Jones faced a heavy hit while attempting a pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce in the final quarter. After releasing the ball, Houston defensive tackle Tim Settle made a forceful contact that officials judged excessive, resulting in a personal foul for roughing the passer. The penalty moved the Colts 15 yards forward, allowing them to convert a 42-yard field goal and cut the Texans lead to 20-16, their final points of the game.

Under NFL rules, roughing the passer refers to unnecessary contact with a quarterback in a passing posture. The penalty carries potential fines of $17,389 for a first offense and $23,186 for a repeat offense. The league will now examine the play and determine whether Settle will face a fine, with a decision expected in next Saturdays weekly gameday accountability report.

With the loss, Indianapolis drops to an 8-4 record, while Houston improves to 7-5.

Author: Maya Henderson