Cincinnati Bengals have found themselves in the spotlight once again — and not for the right reasons. The NFL has officially announced disciplinary action against offensive lineman Dalton Risner, dealing another blow to the Bengals amid a rollercoaster season.
NFL penalizes Dalton Risner for unnecessary roughness
The league confirmed that Risner has been fined $7,431 for an unnecessary roughness penalty during Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. The infraction occurred in the third quarter of the Bengals’ 27-18 loss when Risner was flagged for committing a leg whip, a move deemed dangerous under league rules.
The fine adds to Cincinnati’s growing list of concerns as the team continues to grapple with inconsistency on the field. Although the penalty might seem minor, it underscores the discipline issues that have plagued the Cincinnati Bengals at key moments this season.
Risner’s impact and role in the Cincinnati Bengals’ lineup
A 2019 second-round pick, Dalton Risner joined the Bengals in August on a one-year, $1.3 million deal, aiming to bring stability and veteran presence to the offensive line. Following Lucas Patrick’s calf injury in Week 1, the 30-year-old guard was thrust into a starting role — and has since become a crucial component of the Bengals’ protection unit.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Risner currently ranks 65th among 109 eligible guards with an overall grade of 56.5. He stands 48th in pass protection and 70th in run blocking, indicating room for improvement but also reliability in key passing situations.
Despite the Week 6 incident, Dalton Risner rebounded with a strong showing in Week 7’s 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. PFF graded him as Cincinnati’s second-best blocker with a score of 62.1, highlighting his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Joe Flacco praises offensive line performance
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense came alive against the Steelers, producing season-high numbers in both points and total yardage — 470 yards and seven scoring drives out of ten possessions. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco praised his linemen for their grit and consistency throughout the matchup.
“Really, really happy about how the guys just kinda stayed with it for a full 60 minutes,” Flacco said via NFL.com. “Man, our offensive line was going today. We were running the football, protecting, doing a lot of things that we wanted to do.”
A minor setback or a growing concern?
While Dalton Risner’s fine won’t sideline him, the incident raises questions about discipline and composure within the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive unit. With the team sitting at 3-4, every mistake — on or off the field — could prove costly as they fight to climb the AFC standings.
As Cincinnati looks to build momentum heading into midseason, the focus will be on consistency, discipline, and capitalizing on their offensive potential. Risner’s fine serves as a reminder that even small lapses can ripple through a team aiming to reassert itself as a playoff contender.