Every Saturday, the NFL releases a list of players who received fines, with 24 players penalized for their actions during Week 10. Unfortunately for the Chicago Bears, two key starters were given hefty fines: safety Kevin Byard III and pass rusher Austin Booker.
NFL Hands Out Punishments to Bears Safety Kevin Byard III, Defensive End Austin Booker
Kevin Byard is Having a Huge Year for the Bears Despite Massive Fine
Byard was given the second-highest fine amongst the 24 players, owing the league $23,186 for a “use of the helmet” tackle during the third quarter against the New York Giants. The most expensive fine was given to Washington Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho, who was fined a whopping $46,371 for a use of the helmet tackle.
Byard, 32, has quietly been an anchor in the back of the defense, tied for first in the league with teammate Tremaine Edmunds in interceptions (4). He’s also the 8th highest graded safety according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), with 48 total tackles and five deflections through nine games this season.
According to Edmunds, Byard was the one who gathered the entire Bears’ defensive unit for a meeting when the team was down in the contest against the Giants.
“That’s true veteran leadership,” Edmunds explained. “We know some of the things that we were giving up; it wasn’t our style of ball. It wasn’t who we were as a defense. So it was really just holding everybody accountable and saying, ‘we’re not about to go out like this.’ Looking each other in the eyes and just being real with us. That’s what guys needed to hear, so definitely take my hat off for him [Kevin Byard].”
The Bears are Happy to Have Austin Booker Back on the Field
Thankfully for Booker, his fine isn’t nearly as big as Byard’s or Kaho’s fine, with his fine coming in at $5,818 for the use of the helmet tackle during the first quarter.
The Bears were without Booker for the first seven games of the season due to a knee injury he sustained during the preseason. However, in just two games with the team, he’s already made his presence felt.
Booker has six total tackles, three quarterback hits, one sack, and one forced fumble in just 98 snaps. With Dayo Odeyingbo out for the season with a torn Achilles, Booker came back at the perfect time and looks to continue to pile on tackles and sacks opposite Montez Sweat.
Booker played in 84% of the snaps against the Giants, but believes he didn’t play up to his standard despite a strong showing.
“I wasn’t super happy with it,” he said. “I mean, I had, what, five pressures, four tackles or whatever. It’s all cool, but I like to get one sack at least. If I’m around the quarterback that much, I should get to take him down at least once.”
It’s a good mindset to have, and he should have plenty of opportunities in Week 11’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on the road.
Ummmmm, OK Austin Booker (#94). pic.twitter.com/9NPWvZ7Xj0
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) November 4, 2025
Main Image: Mike Dinovo – Imagn Images
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