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The NFL is handing down their punishment decision on two Chicago Bears players for actions taken against the Eagles.
The Chicago Bears are enjoying a solid season in 2025, and if they beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 7, that’ll be the icing on the cake. This game is crucial for both franchises, since the Bears stand at No. 1 in the NFC North and the full NFC, while the Packers are No. 2 in the NFC North and close behind.
So, heading into Sunday’s game, the stakes are high. Adding to that is that the Bears currently have a 74% chance of making the postseason, according to NFL research, and that will go up to 90% if they beat the Packers. That number will fall to 65% if they lose. For the Packers, they have an 88% chance of making the playoffs going into the Bears game, and that will rise to 95% if they win and drop to 74% if they lose.
Ahead of the Bears and Packers game, the NFL has announced punishment decisions for two Bears players. Every Saturday during the season, the NFL hands down punishments to players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are to protect players from a greater risk of injury on the field and make sure players are following the rules.
Chicago Bears Players in Trouble With the NFL
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the NFL announced punishments for Durham Smythe and Darnell Wright of the Chicago Bears. The disciplinary actions were for incidents that happened during the team’s Week 13 game on Friday, Nov. 28, against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The league handed Smythe a $12,172 fine for a “low block” and “unnecessary roughness,” while they gave Wright a larger fine of $23,186 for “use of the helmet” and “unnecessary roughness.” Smythe’s actions took place at the 11:36 mark in the first quarter of the team’s game, while Wright’s happened just before it at the 11:05 mark.
According to the NFL, the funds raised from those fines will 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.”
If either of the Bears players wants to appeal this decision, they can. “Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling,” the NFL says in their official rules book. “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.”
Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams is Having Fun on the Field
All punishments aside, speaking after the Bears’ win over the Eagles, Williams said it’s simply fun to get a great play going with his running backs.
“It’s super fun,” Williams said after the win. “I don’t know if you all ever kind of see me back there, but when I see a crease, I start getting really excited. I start jumping around like a little kid.”
Williams will certainly have a competitive type of fun when he takes on Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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