Two Detroit Lions players were penalized for their actions in the team’s 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

Za’Darius Smith and Christian Mahogany both received fines from the NFL for actions in Thursday’s game. Smith was fined $6,722 for roughhousing the passer after hitting Packers quarterback Jordan Love in the head. He was not mentioned in the play. Mahogany was fined $4,609 for a face mask.

Smith has played a big role for the Lions since joining the team at the trade deadline. He has become a key part of the passing game on an injury-plagued defensive line.

“Yeah, he’s been a great fit for us and I think you saw last week that despite the injuries we had, we took some reps off him in some areas so we could really utilize him to his full potential and really showcase him “Some of those reps, the third-down reps, second-and-long,” coach Dan Campbell said. “He was still hitting base downs and his production was really good. “So we’re trying to be smart with him and maximize the reps we get out of him, but he’s been really good for us.”

Since joining the Lions, Smith has collected three sacks in four games.

“He fits in the room, fits with the guys, our players have embraced him and yes – I’ve mentioned that before, it’s like an insult,” Campbell continued. “Of course you love having players who perform, but in reality it’s about bringing something different to the man next to you. That’s why you like having different receivers, that’s why you like having different defensive backs, different rushers, different D-linemen and backers,” because it just allows you to do more, and that’s what he’s for does to us.”

Mahogany, meanwhile, has settled into a backup role and played against the Packers when Kevin Zeitler was briefly sidelined with an injury.

The Lions will host another team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Buffalo Bills, on Sunday. Looking for its 12th straight victory, Detroit will don its black alternate jerseys for the nationally televised matchup at 4:25 p.m.

Additional reading

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3.) Four Bills players Lions have to worry about