The NFL has fined the Kansas City Chiefs $100,000 and tight end Peyton Hendershot $5,472 for Hendershot’s actions during the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens reported by Tom Pelissero via X. Hendershot, who was inactive for the game, pushed Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith after Smith knocked down Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes following a fourth-quarter run out of bounds. Though no penalties were issued on the field, the NFL has taken disciplinary action.
Smith won’t be fined for his contact with Mahomes on the play, but he did receive a separate fine for unnecessary roughness earlier in the game. Hendershot has announced plans to appeal the fine, while the NFL has reiterated its stance on inactive players becoming physically involved in plays. The incident has reignited discussions around the enforcement of sideline discipline in the league.
Hendershot’s Role with the Chiefs
Peyton Hendershot was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys at the roster cut-down deadline in exchange for a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick. Although Hendershot was inactive for Week 1, his presence on the Chiefs roster raises questions about his future role, particularly in a tight-end group that already includes Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.
Hendershot has made contributions on special teams during his time with the Cowboys, which might have influenced General Manager Brett Veach’s decision to trade for him. His special teams versatility, combined with his experience as a depth tight end, could make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs moving forward.
Roquan Smith’s Response to the Incident
After the incident, Roquan Smith addressed Hendershot’s shove, saying, “Whoever 88 is, I don’t know who he is, but he better watch himself. He did a little slick push. I’ll see him when I see him.” Smith has downplayed the confrontation with Mahomes, accusing the Chiefs’ star quarterback of flopping to draw a penalty. Despite the tension, Smith was not fined for his contact with Mahomes.
The NFL’s fine on Hendershot stems from their August 7 memo, which reminded teams about the policies surrounding non-participant players making contact with active players. The league continues to emphasize strict enforcement of these rules.
Final Thoughts
Hendershot’s fine and his plans to appeal raise questions about the league’s approach to sideline altercations. While Smith’s actions during the game were largely overlooked, Hendershot’s shove highlights the NFL’s evolving stance on sideline discipline. As the Chiefs prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, it remains to be seen how this fine will impact Hendershot’s place on the team moving forward.
However, one thing is clear from this incident and that’s the NFL’s memo to teams clearly stating that all sideline personnel, including inactive players, must adhere to the league’s strict conduct policies or face consequences.
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