Two Denver Broncos leave their Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a loss and lighter purses. According to the NFL’s weekly public penalty list, S PJ Locke and C Luke Wattenberg were penalized for illegal hits and actions against the Steelers.

Locke was penalized for two offenses in the same game: excessive force in hitting a defenseless player and unsportsmanlike conduct in removing his helmet on the field. It came with his hit on Steelers WR Calvin Austin III in the second half, which resulted in a penalty.

Locke was not caught on CBS cameras removing his helmet, although he was clearly upset about the costly penalty. But his helmet apparently fell off before he reached the sideline. He was fined $13,972 for the hit and $13,972 for removing his helmet.

Locke spent his time as a rookie with the Steelers before finding solid ground with the Denver Broncos and has been on their roster since 2019.

Wattenberg was fined for a peel-back block on Steelers DE Isaiahh Loudermilk during a screen late in the third quarter.

NFL rules prohibit throwing a block toward the line of scrimmage. Wattenberg was not penalized for the play, but was fined $5,872.

None of the Steelers were penalized in this game. They were not penalized in the first two weeks of the regular season.

All fines are determined by the CBA and will increase by a predetermined percentage this season. Fine amounts will increase for repeat offenders. All fines will be donated to NFL-supported charities.