Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig was suspended one game by the NFL for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Monday night's 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the league announced on Tuesday.
Moehrig hit 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin after a play in the fourth quarter. The NFL said Moehrig violated "Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to 'any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,' including, among others, 'throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent.'"
Jennings responded with a strike to Moehrig's face after the game's conclusion. The NFL will review Jennings' action for a possible fine, but only Moehrig will be suspended, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
Moehrig will be eligible to return to the Panthers' active roster on Monday, Dec. 1, following the team's Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Rams (9-2).
The safety may appeal the suspension.
Moehrig, 26, is a fifth-year starter in the NFL and has started all 12 games in the Panthers' defensive backfield this season. A 2021 second-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, Moehrig joined Carolina this offseason following the expiration of his rookie contract. On the year, Moehrig has tallied 81 tackles, two passes defensed, a sack and an interception.
Carolina will miss Moehrig against the Rams, if his appeal is not successful. Los Angeles boasts a fearsome offense with Matthew Stafford spreading the wealth to Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams and a slew of tight ends. Adding injury to insult, Carolina could also be without start cornerback Jaycee Horn, who left Monday's game with a concussion.
In a heated race with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South crown, the Panthers (6-6) will likely have to face the conference's best team on Sunday without one of their best.
