NFL punishes Commanders' veteran player for "violent gesture" ahead of Week 5 showdown vs Browns

Washington Commanders fans are currently having flashbacks to Josh Norman and the 2016 season thanks to the NFL's latest decision to fine running back Jeremy McNichols.

The league docked the veteran running back $6,250 on Saturday for his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter of the Commanders' 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals. McNichols pretended to shoot a bow and arrow into the crowd after his seven-yard touchdown that cemented the four-score win. It was also his second touchdown run of the day. The NFL defined McNichols' actions as a "violent gesture" , which is what prompted the fine.

Norman was fined over $9k for the same gesture back in 2016 and his appeal was denied. It remains to be seen if McNichols tries to appeal this fine.

McNichols is currently fourth on the team in rushing yards, with 69 on nine carries. His Week 4 performance against the Cardinals was easily his best of the year, as he finished the game with 68 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on eight carries. He also added his lone reception of the year, a six-yarder, in that game.

McNichols saw extended time last week due to the nature of the game script, along with a knee injury to Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler's concussion. Ekeler has since cleared concussion protocol and Dan Quinn said on Friday that Robinson Jr. is trending in the right direction when it comes to playing against the Browns, so it remains to be seen how McNichols is utilized against a tough Cleveland defense.