Pierre Garcon can’t escape last week’s nightmarish loss against his former team. Garcon, who was called for an absurd “pick” penalty that took the 49ers out of game-winning field goal range, just got fined by the NFL for lowering his head.
Garcon will find his check this week $24,309 lighter after he struck safety Montae Nicholson with the crown of his helmet in the second quarter following an 8-yard reception. Nicholson’s helmet flew off and he was evaluated for a concussion and shoulder injury, although he did return to the game.
After the play, Redskins’ safety D.J. Swearinger slapped Garcon’s facemask and incurred an unsportsmanlike penalty and a $9,115 fine.
The NFL instituted a rule in 2013 preventing an offensive player from lowering his head into a defensive player.
Garcon probably feels the NFL should be fined for penalizing him for offensive pass interference with 23 seconds left in the same game. Garcon ran into a Redskins’ linebacker on a pass intended for him. The play occurred at the Washington 40 and brought the ball back to midfield. The 49ers couldn’t get any closer and lost, 26-24.