Panthers Safety Zakee Wheatley Fined $5,626 for Hit on Defenseless Player

Carolina Panthers safety Zakee Wheatley received a $5,626 fine from the NFL for a hit on a defenseless player during the first quarter of Carolina's 26-21 Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos. Wheatley was not flagged on the play itself, though teammate Marco Wilson was penalized for taunting. This marks Wheatley's second fine of the 2026 season, following a prior $5,626 penalty for taunting against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Carolina travels to face New Orleans in Week 11.