The Los Angeles Rams are currently inactive for Week 8 as they enjoy their bye week, holding a strong 5-2 record on the season. However, veteran players Tyler Higbee and Quentin Lake recently received some unfortunate news from NFL Football Operations. Both players were fined for penalties committed during the Rams’ Week 7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Collectively, the duo will pay $31,880 in fines for that week—the first fines brought against the Rams this season.
### Rams Super Bowl Champion Fined for ‘Violent Gesture’
Tyler Higbee, one of eight Rams players on the 2025 roster who were also part of the 2021 Super Bowl-winning team, was fined for using a “banned” gesture.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero,
> “The NFL fined #Rams TE Tyler Higbee $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture),”
> “The banned ‘nose wipe’ celebration last week in London.”
Higbee, 32, recorded three receptions for 19 yards in the game but was not penalized on the field for the gesture, which he performed after his second reception. This catch was also his second-to-last of the game.
The NFL banned this “nose wipe” celebration in April 2024 after Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb used it. The gesture was connected to rapper Young Thug amid his ongoing trial involving charges under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.
Higbee is currently playing under a two-year, $17 million contract. Drafted in the fourth round as the 110th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he is on pace for his least productive season since his rookie year, with current stats standing at 13 receptions, 121 yards, and 1 touchdown.
### Rams Team Captain Draws Fine for Banned Tackle
Similarly, Quentin Lake was fined for a banned hit during the game—a hip drop tackle—which was prohibited starting in 2024. Like Higbee, Lake was not flagged for this play during the game, a 35-7 Rams victory over Jacksonville. However, Lake’s fine was notably higher, amounting to $17,389.
Lake officially recorded two tackles on Jaguars receiver Parker Washington in the first quarter, including one shared with linebacker Omar Speights. The fined tackle involved Lake using his body weight to bring the wide receiver down.
A 26-year-old team captain, Lake is on an expiring four-year, $3.8 million contract and may be in line for a significant new deal either this season or afterward. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula considers him a versatile and vital piece of the Rams’ defense.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler commented on October 8,
> “Quentin Lake is a do-it-all chess piece for Sean McVay’s defense. The Rams are interested in retaining him if a deal makes sense.”
This season, Lake has tallied 45 total tackles, a career-high nine pass deflections, one sack, his first career interception and forced fumble recovery, and one fumble recovery overall. He is on pace to finish the year with 109 combined tackles, just shy of his career high of 111.
### Looking Ahead for the Rams
The Rams have earned praise this season for retaining key players and retooling their offense while building a top-tier defense through the draft. Quentin Lake, selected No. 211 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, could be the first of many to make a significant impact and secure long-term roles with the Rams moving forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/los-angeles-rams/higbee-lake-fined-jaguars-washington-cowboys-lamb/
