The Philadelphia Eagles earned a much-needed victory over the New York Giants in Week 8. After falling to the Denver Broncos and Giants in consecutive weeks, the Eagles have responded with two straight victories, defeating the Minnesota Vikings and exacting revenge on New York. The team is now taking some time off during their bye week in Week 9.
While Philadelphia can relax and enjoy the action in the NFL this week, the break hasn’t been ideal for all of the team’s players. Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was fined by the league on Saturday afternoon for his actions during the team’s most recent victory over the Giants.
Eagles’ Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Fined by NFL
Trotter, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, joined the Eagles last season and quickly contributed to the team’s Super Bowl LIX victory. Trotter appeared in 17 games, starting one, and recorded 25 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one pass deflection while mostly serving on special teams and as a defensive rotation piece.
Trotter has made 11 tackles in eight games this season, which is consistent with his previous performance. While Philadelphia’s defensive front seven has been decimated by injury, Trotter has struggled to carve out a consistent role on defense. If he continues to bide his time on special teams, he may be rewarded shortly.
Trotter’s loss in Week 8 was due to a special teams play. Trotter was racing down the field as the Giants punted the ball away, and he delivered a strong blindside block along the way. Trotter was fined $5,790 by the league on Saturday as a result of the play.
“Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was fined $5,790 for a blindside block during a punt return in the third quarter against the Giants in Week 8,” Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia wrote on X.
It’s not an outrageous fine, but for Trotter—who’s still on an inexpensive rookie contract—every dollar lost makes a difference. His hit wasn’t especially malicious, yet it’s the type of contact the NFL is trying to phase out to better protect players over the grind of a 17-game season.
As Trotter reluctantly pays the penalty, the Eagles will begin shifting their focus to Week 10’s crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With the game set for Monday Night Football, Philadelphia gets an extra day of preparation—something that could prove valuable once both teams square off.