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NFL Announces Fine for Packers Star Xavier McKinney for Taunting in Week 1 Opener vs. Lions, via ESPN

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Green Bay, WI – The NFL has issued an $11,593 fine to Packers safety Xavier McKinney for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) in the Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The news was shared on X by Rob Demovsky (ESPN), confirming the amount under the league’s on-field discipline schedule.
See post: https://x.com/RobDemovsky/status/1966994356050817481

The fine follows a post-game review showing McKinney taunting an opponent after a key play. While the sum is modest for a defensive centerpiece, it serves as a reminder of the conduct standards the NFL is emphasizing in 2025: limiting provocations, excessive gestures, and standing over opponents after collisions.

From a procedural standpoint, all fines can be appealed; the team and player may submit an explanation if they believe the context was misinterpreted or the amount is inconsistent with precedent.

In the short term, the fine does not affect McKinney’s availability for Week 3. Green Bay is expected to keep leaning on a well-tuned defensive unit, while the internal message remains familiar: “discipline first, football second.”

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722