Total Pro Sports
If it makes Jared Goff feel better, he inadvertently hit one of his opponents in the wallet.
Jared Goff and the Lions (8-8) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with an ugly 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day. A trendy pick to win the Super Bowl at the start of the year, Goff’s Lions will instead watch the playoffs from home.
The Lions will have the opportunity to release their remaining frustrations on the Chicago Bears next week. And if Goff and Detroit fans are still better over a Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers? There’s some news to smile over.
The NFL Football Operations announced that Steelers star linebacker Alex Highsmith was fined $12,172 for unnecessary roughness on Goff in last Sunday’s game. Highsmith tripped Goff on this play:
Alex Highsmith was fined $12,172 for tripping against the Lions in week 16 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/16AZggLW0G
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 27, 2025
Goff finished that day with 364 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 29-24 loss to old friend Aaron Rodgers and company.
Highsmith wasn’t the only Steelers player punished for an incident in that game. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended for Pittsburgh’s final two regular season games for punching a Lions fan.
The Lions brought back much of the same roster from last year. The lone departure was All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who stunned everybody by retiring at age 29. He attempted a comeback a few weeks ago, but failed a physical.
Dan Campbell could end up hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators in the offseason. GM Brad Holmes must fix up the offensive line and the defense as well. This current roster just isn’t good enough to compete in the rugged NFC.
