49ers LB Fred Warner hit with massive fines from Commanders game

The NFL announced on Saturday that San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner has been fined a total of $65,673 for two fourth-quarter plays in his team's 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night. Warner was fined $47,762 for use of the helmet and $17,911 for a hit on a defenseless player. The All-Pro linebacker had eight tackles in the game.

Warner led with his helmet while tackling Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo in the fourth quarter. A penalty flag was thrown but then overturned, a decision many NFL fans on social media questioned. Warner was also fined for a hit on a defenseless player (Okonkwo again, this time at the end of a three-yard pass play in the fourth quarter). He was not penalized on that play.

Warner has been fined $107,466 across four violations this season. In week three, he was fined a total of $41,793 for a hip-drop tackle and an improper use of the helmet in a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Other than affecting his wallet, Warner and the 49ers need to keep an eye on these fines. The NFL imposed a new accountability rule this season in which too many fines in specific categories can result in a suspension.

According to NFL.com, greater emphasis has been placed on five player health and safety rules violations:

• Hip Drop Tackle
• Horse Collar Tackle
• Launching
• Hit on a Defenseless Player
• Blindside Block

Players who commit three offenses in any of these categories during a season will be suspended for one game. Players who commit only one violation will receive 50 percent of their fine back at the end of the season. It's also important to note that the violations in these categories will carry forward to subsequent seasons.

The 49ers had to play Monday night without Dre Greenlaw, who was serving a suspension for headbutting a Seattle Seahawks player who was not wearing a helmet.

More info on: Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner