NFL Rumors: Bengals' Joseph Ossai Not Fined for Controversial Hit on Patrick Mahomes

The NFL didn't fine Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai for his hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes near the end of the AFC Championship Game, according to Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams.

On Kansas City's penultimate play, Ossai was flagged for unnecessary roughness after shoving Mahomes out of bounds. The 15-yard penalty set up a 45-yard game-winning field goal for Harrison Butker.

Ossai was visibly distraught on the sideline after Cincinnati's 23-20 loss.

The unnecessary roughness penalty was far from the sole reason the Bengals lost.

Cincinnati got the ball with 2:30 on the clock in the fourth quarter, giving the team a golden opportunity to run the clock down and keep the ball out of Mahomes' hands. Instead, the offense stalled and punted inside the final 40 seconds.

In addition, the Chiefs appeared to get away with a holding call that would've offset the flag on Ossai.

Williams noted that San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga received a small fine ($4,916) for a similar foul on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Ossai might be somewhat fortunate he isn't writing a check to the league office as well.

The 22-year-old has already paid a significant toll for the penalty, though.