The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig for one game without pay after he struck San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings with a low blow during Monday night's game. Jennings retaliated with a postgame punch, but has not faced discipline yet. The 49ers won the matchup 20-9.
During Monday night's NFL game, Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig delivered an uppercut to the groin of San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings, an incident captured on replay. The low blow sparked a postgame scuffle where Jennings chased down Moehrig and struck him with a closed fist before being separated.
The league responded swiftly, suspending Moehrig without pay for one game. He plans to appeal the decision, per ESPN, which could allow him to play in the Panthers' upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams if successful. Jennings, who has not been reprimanded, caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' 20-9 victory.
Postgame comments highlighted the tension. "I'll take that one," Moehrig said via ESPN, adding, "He wanted to do a little dirty stuff, so it is what it is, man." Jennings responded, via The Athletic, "The TV is gonna tell you what happened. To me, I was just responding to some childish behavior."
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan supported his player, stating, "The guy took a cheap shot and hit him in the balls. I was real proud of Jauan for not losing his mind out there."
The incident drew comparisons to a Week 6 scuffle involving Lions safety Brian Branch, who received a one-game suspension for a postgame punch. The Panthers dropped to 6-6 with the loss, while the 49ers improved to 8-4.