It somehow went uncalled on the field, but the NFL deemed it worthy of a fine.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young was fined $7,014.19 for his facemask tackle of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in the final minutes of Minnesota's 30-20 loss to the Rams on Oct. 17 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The facemask went uncalled on the field, resulting in a sack and safety that eliminated any hopes of a late Vikings comeback.
The NFL fined #Rams LB Byron Young $7,014.19 for grabbing #Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s facemask last Thursday night.
No flag was thrown, and the resulting safety sealed L.A.’s win.pic.twitter.com/bAbSRBrNkj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 2, 2024
In the pool report after the game, official Tra Blake claimed none of the officials had a view of the play despite it appearing to be an obvious call, saying "we couldn't see it." The play was not reviewable, and the Rams kneeled it out after the safety.
Two Vikings were also fined for their actions during the Rams game: linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and running back Aaron Jones. Pace was fined $5,120 for a facemask on Rams running back Kyren Williams during the first quarter. The officials did see that one and called the penalty, which came during the Rams' first drive of the game. They scored to tie it 7-7.
Minnesota Vikings ILB Ivan Pace Jr. was fined $5,120.00 for this facemask on Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams pic.twitter.com/pdTZpGTmrj
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) November 2, 2024
Jones was fined $11,817 for a low block during the Vikings' opening drive of the game. Jones was not called for a penalty on the play, which resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Josh Oliver for the game's opening points.
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones was fined $11,817 for this low block against the Los Angeles Rams pic.twitter.com/zc1eaJTYOx
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) November 2, 2024
The loss to the Rams was the Vikings' second straight, and they'll be looking to get back on track when they host the Indianapolis Colts for a 7:20 p.m. kickoff Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
