Why was Saquon Barkley hit with $45,020 fine? Explaining details behind Eagles RB's penalty

The NFL fined Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley $45,020 for unnecessary roughness. The Eagles beat the Cleveland Browns, 20-16, last Sunday. The former New York Giants player carried the ball 18 times for 47 rushing yards and zero touchdowns.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported today that the league punished the player for the use of his helmet during a first-quarter play against the Browns.

After getting the ball and avoiding a couple of tackles, Barkley clashed helmet-to-helmet with Maurice Hurst II before the rest of the defense took him down.

He ended up getting eight yards on that play, but they came at a cost. The NFL has focused on players lowering their heads this season and the rules committee has taken this task very seriously.

The video doesn't show that a flag was thrown, but the league has made sure to enforce these rules by punishing players. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was fined for a similar play against the New York Giants last year when he was still with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Players and fans have shown their discomfort with how the league has been handling and handing out fines to start the season, but they don't appear to be changing their approach anytime soon. Saquon Barkley and the Eagles, meanwhile, are getting ready to face a well-known opponent.

Saquon Barkley returns to MetLife Stadium for the first time after leaving Giants

After spending the first six seasons of his career with the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley will make his return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The player has had a remarkable start to his stint with the Eagles and will try to get another win in front of his old team. On Wednesday, the former No. 2 overall pick explained what he expects from the Giants fans.

"I don't expect a great reaction. I don't expect to be booed," Barkley said, per ESPN. "I look at it like this: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Football Giants probably played in over 200 games. This rivalry was there before me, and it's going to be there after me."

The Giants have been one of the most inconsistent teams this season and the Eagles look like favorites ahead of this matchup. Barkley could be in for a terrific performance in front of his old fans as Philly tries to improve to 4-2.