diff --git a/src/fairchem/core/models/painn/painn.py b/src/fairchem/core/models/painn/painn.py
index 33425e8d8..935ecc5a9 100644
--- a/src/fairchem/core/models/painn/painn.py
+++ b/src/fairchem/core/models/painn/painn.py
@@ -671,7 +671,7 @@ def forward(self, x, v):
 class PaiNNEnergyHead(nn.Module, HeadInterface):
     def __init__(self, backbone):
         super().__init__()
-
+        backbone.out_energy = None
         self.out_energy = nn.Sequential(
             nn.Linear(backbone.hidden_channels, backbone.hidden_channels // 2),
             ScaledSiLU(),
@@ -697,6 +697,7 @@ def __init__(self, backbone):
         self.direct_forces = backbone.direct_forces
 
         if self.direct_forces:
+            backbone.out_forces = None
             self.out_forces = PaiNNOutput(backbone.hidden_channels)
 
     def forward(