The Minnesota Vikings found one of their players on the wrong side of the NFL’s justice system with the league coming down on running back Jermar Jefferson.
Per the NFL, Jefferson was fined $5,583 for a face mask penalty committed during the Vikings’ 34-6 loss to the Denver Broncos in their preseason finale. It was an anticipated decision, but also comes with a surprising twist as the only punishment doled out in the aftermath.
Jefferson’s punishment the final act of his 2026 campaign.
The fact that he drew the costly penalty in a blowout loss for the Vikings only adds insult to literal injury.
Vikings RB Jermar Jefferson Punished After Roster Move
During the third frame, on a fourth-and-13, and the Vikings were punting the ball, Jefferson got a handful of Broncos returner Kolbe Katsis’ facemask, drawing a flag. The penalty was offseason, thanks to former Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin’s illegal block above the waist.
Jefferson was not as fortunate avoiding a fine, though.
“If a player grasps an opponent’s facemask or helmet opening, he must immediately release it. He shall not grasp and control, twist, turn, push, or pull the facemask or helmet opening of an opponent in any direction,” the NFL’s rulebook states.
The in-game penalty is a “loss of 15 yards. The player may be disqualified if the action is flagrant. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down.”
The NFL’s review process then determines if a fine is warranted.
This was also a lighter fine than Jefferson could have received. The league notes that fines for first-time offenses can cost players up to “$11,941,” while second offenses can reach as much as “$17,911.”
That just underscores how much of the process is up to the league, though players can appeal such decisions.
Jermar Jefferson’s Season Cut Short
Jefferson led the Vikings during the preseason with 74 yards on 11 carries, also catching two passes for 8 yards.
A former seventh-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions, taken 257th overall in the 2021 draft, Jefferson is in his first season with the Vikings. He spent the 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals and spent time with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.
The Vikings waived Jefferson with an injury designation on August 31.
After clearing waivers, reverted back to their injured reserve on September 2. Barring an injury settlement, Jefferson will miss the 2026 season.
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The NFL chose not to fine McLaughlin, whose illegal block was, by definition, not worthy of a fine on its own. That would only have happened if the NFL determined he committed an illegal blindside block.
Instead, the offsetting flags were the full extend of McLaughlin’s punishment over the game. The Broncos did ultimately waive him at the roster deadline, though.
Similarly, former Vikings linebacker Josh Ross avoided drawing the NFL’s ire.
Ross committed two separate penalties during the contest. One was for “unnecessary roughness” on a late hit in the second quarter, and the other was an “illegal use of the hands, hands to the face” which could have turned into a facemask.
NFL Announces Punishment for Minnesota Vikings Running Back Before Week 1