Lions, 49ers players get into scuffle during hotly contested game

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Tensions were high in the first quarter of a Monday night game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions were looking for one more win to build momentum ahead of an NFC North title game against the Minnesota Vikings next week, while the 49ers were hoping to save face from a disastrous and injury-filled regular season that left them without a playoff berth.

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Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph, #31, pushes San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, #15, during the first half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

So, it was no wonder that a few players got into a scuffle with emotions running high.

The 49ers started the drive with a touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Ricky Pearsall. However, before that play occurred, players from both teams were penalized for a fight.

San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings and Lions defensive back Terrion Arnold got into a scuffle. Jennings blocked Arnold through into the end zone. Kerby Joseph came over and pushed Jennings into the stands while Arnold slapped the player in the helmet.

Joseph and Jennings were penalized for unnecessary roughness. Joseph apologized after the game but made clear he was going to stand up for his teammates.

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"Also man, I’m going to ride for my brother, and I’m going to protect him no matter what, right or wrong, but I’m going to have his back," he said, via the Detroit Free Press. "Yeah, you don’t play that.

"No. I