The NFL announced disciplinary action against Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker just hours before the Bears host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round.
Booker was fined $46,371 for unnecessary roughness and use of the helmet following an incident at the 9:40 mark of the second quarter in Chicago’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The play in question involved Booker spearing Packers quarterback Jordan Love while leading with his helmet, with helmet-to-helmet contact made on Love.
The penalty marked the largest fine issued across the league this week, underscoring the NFL’s continued emphasis on reducing head injuries over the past two decades.
Booker retains the right to appeal the fine. He was not suspended and will be available to play Sunday against the Rams.
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While the fine has drawn attention ahead of kickoff, much of the focus entering the game remains on the weather forecast, which calls for single-digit temperatures, snow, and winds exceeding 10 mph.
Cold-weather games are a rarity for Los Angeles, where winter temperatures typically hover between 60 and 70 degrees and SoFi Stadium is protected by a roof. Still, speculation has emerged that Matthew Stafford could follow Tom Brady’s lead and wear a scuba suit to combat the cold.
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