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By Anne EricksonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Pittsburgh Steelers ended their run in the NFL playoffs with a loss to the Houston Texans on Monday, Jan. 12, in a 30-6 blowout loss during the NFL's wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs.
Following the game, the Steelers parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin after 19 years together, which caught all the headlines.
But now, one more piece of fallout from that game has happened, in that one Steelers player being punished by the NFL for his in-game actions in that matchup.
Each week during the season, the NFL gives punishments to players for actions that took place during the previous week's games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are "to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity." Before the season begins, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.
...On Saturday, Jan. 17, the NFL announced that they're punishing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek for his actions in the Texans game. The league is fining him $9,500 for "unsportsmanlike conduct" at the 6:02 mark in the first quarter of the game.
More sports news: Jerome Bettis Puts Steelers on Notice After Parting Ways With Mike Tomlin
If he wants to appeal the fine, according to the NFL, "Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding."
Funds raised from gameday accountability fines go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to "support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game."
More sports news: Aaron Rodgers’ Future with the Pittsburgh Steelers Decided: Report
So, the Texans advanced after their win over the Steelers, and their next game is the NFL divisional round against the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Gillette Stadium.
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