allas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance has received a $22,511 fine for unnecessary roughness, specifically for using his helmet to deliver a hit during Week 10’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lance replaced Cooper Rush (himself replacing Dak Prescott, who is currently recovering from surgery) when the game got out of hand for the Cowboys. In limited action, he completed just four pass attempts for 21 yards and an interception.

Trey Lance #15 of the Dallas Cowboys on the sideline against the Washington Commanders during the first half at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
During the fourth quarter of action, the former No. 3 pick actually made a tackle on Eagles safety Reed Blankenship. He was trying to prevent the defensive back from returning a fumble for a touchdown.

The incident occurred when Lance lowered his head to make contact with Eagles safety Reed Blankenship, who had recovered a fumble and was running toward the Dallas end zone. Although the play was not penalized during the game, Lance received the fine afterward.

Each Saturday, the NFL announces the fines and penalty amounts imposed on players for violations committed during the previous week. The funds collected through these fines are “donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to assist Legends in need, as well as to the NFL Foundation to promote the health, safety, and well-being of athletes at all levels, including youth football, and the communities that support the game.”

Although Lance’s $22,511 fine is unquestionably wincingly large, it is by no means the heaviest fine so far.

Last month, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was fined $66,666, also for “Unnecessary Roughness (use of the helmet).” The incident occurred when Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt took a handoff up the middle. Perryman lowered his head and struck Hunt in the side of the helmet. Despite the impact, no penalty flag was thrown during the play.

Lance was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played just one season at North Dakota State, showcasing dual-threat ability with strong passing and rushing stats.

Despite limited college experience, Lance was highly regarded as a top prospect. Since then, however, he has struggled with injuries, including a season-ending ankle injury in 2022, and faced competition from veteran quarterbacks.

After a trade to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, Lance is now looking to revive his career as a backup quarterback. Compared to previous issues, this fine will likely just be another bump in the road for him.