BROWNS PLAYERS FINED FOR CELEBRATION AND TACKLE AGAINST STEELERS

The NFL has fined three Cleveland Browns players over a touchdown celebration during the team's Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the league's official accountability list. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was fined $14,926 and running back Quinshon Judkins $14,397 for making a smoking gesture towards each other after Judkins scored a rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Offensive tackle Austin Barber, who joined in by mimicking taking a puff and passing the imaginary cigarette back to Watson, was fined $6,944. The league categorised the gestures as "illegal" and "vulgar" under its unsportsmanlike conduct rules. The Browns won the game 27-24.

The touchdown came after Watson threw a seven-yard pass to Judkins, who then ran in from two yards out, with kicker Andre Szmyt adding the extra point. The players made the gesture while walking back from a team huddle, in view of television cameras. Separately, Browns defensive end Adin Huntington was fined $5,620 for a hip-drop tackle on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers that went unflagged during the game itself. Officials ruled the tackle, made after Rodgers received the snap from centre Luke Wypler in the third quarter, amounted to unnecessary roughness upon review. The incident has been recorded as Huntington's first strike under the NFL-NFLPA's player safety rules.

Under NFL policy, players face increased fines for repeat violations within the same category during the season. Watson and Judkins could therefore face larger penalties should they repeat the gesture or commit another infraction in the same category in future weeks. The fines followed a similar case involving four Detroit Lions players, who were penalised for a coordinated touchdown celebration in an earlier round of fixtures. The NFL has not indicated any further disciplinary action beyond the financial penalties already issued.