Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles wasted little time responding to the late-game altercation that led to offensive lineman Tyler Steen being ejected in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s heated win over the Washington Commanders.
Rather than waiting for potential league discipline, the organization chose to act internally, announcing a team-issued punishment aimed at reinforcing accountability while standing firmly behind the locker room.
Eagles Tyler Steen Protect Rookie WR Darius Cooper After Commanders’ Will Harris’s Cheap Shot Sparked a Scuffle in Last Night’s Game pic.twitter.com/Xa67xhjKle
— ThanhTrieuuuu (@TTrieu54261) December 21, 2025
According to team sources, Steen has been fined internally for unnecessary roughness stemming from the scuffle, with the proceeds directed toward team-supported community initiatives. The move reflects the Eagles’ long-standing preference for swift, controlled discipline rather than prolonged public fallout.
The incident occurred moments after tensions boiled over late in the fourth quarter, when Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw appeared to grab the helmet of Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper and strike him during a chaotic exchange near the sideline. Steen immediately stepped in, escalating the confrontation and ultimately drawing an ejection as officials worked to regain control.
Following the game, head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the organization’s expectations while acknowledging the emotional nature of rivalry football.
“Emotions run high in games like that,” Sirianni said. “But there’s a standard here. We protect our teammates, we keep our composure, and we represent the organization the right way. Accountability matters, and we’ll handle things the right way internally.”
Behind the scenes, Eagles leadership viewed the response as a necessary balance. The team supported Steen’s instinct to defend a teammate, but also made clear that crossing the line carries consequences, regardless of intent or circumstance.
NFL insiders believe such proactive discipline could influence how the league views the incident, potentially limiting further punishment from the commissioner’s office. The Eagles have used similar internal measures in past situations to contain damage while reinforcing team culture.
General manager Howie Roseman’s fingerprints were once again evident in the approach. By addressing the incident quickly, privately, and decisively, the front office ensured the situation did not spiral into a prolonged distraction during a critical stretch of the season.
For Steen, the message was direct. According to sources close to the team, the lineman accepted responsibility for his actions and reiterated that his reaction stemmed from seeing a teammate placed in harm’s way.
“I was protecting my guy,” Steen told teammates afterward. “But I know I have to be smarter about how I handle it.”
From the Eagles’ perspective, the outcome is clear. Discipline is enforced, standards remain intact, and the locker room moves forward unified. The incident becomes a moment of learning, not fracture, as Philadelphia keeps its focus on postseason football.
In a season defined by pressure, scrutiny, and physical intensity, the Eagles made one thing unmistakably clear: passion is welcomed, but control is required.
