NFL fines for illegal hits — The NFL issued fines for illegal hits to three defensive players following Week 8 plays that left opponents in the concussion protocol, the league’s weekly discipline report showed. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn were each punished for contact that sidelined an offensive player and ruled him out for Week 9.
The league handed out 31 fines overall in Week 8, the second-highest single-week total this season behind the 38 assessed in Week 2. Through eight weeks, 223 plays have resulted in a fine, representing 0.0113% of all plays.
Brisker fined for hit on Deshaun Watson
Brisker must pay $17,911 for a blow to the head and neck area of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The hit came less than 90 seconds into Pittsburgh’s victory and drew a roughing the passer penalty. Brisker was sharply critical of the call after the game, saying he believed he made contact with his chest and that officials were overprotecting quarterbacks.
Watson briefly left the game and was replaced by Shedeur Sanders, who threw two passes before Watson returned and finished the contest. Although Watson practiced during the week and cleared the concussion protocol on Saturday, the Browns announced that Sanders will start at quarterback in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
Overshown penalized for helmet use against Bam Knight
Overshown was fined $9,528 for using his helmet on a hit against Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight. The collision knocked the ball loose, and Dallas recovered the fumble without a flag on the play. The NFL reviewed the play after the game and issued the fine. Knight did not practice this week and will miss Arizona’s divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
Chinn fined for hit on defenseless Garrett Wilson
Chinn owes $17,911 for a hit on a defenseless player. One play before Chinn sealed Las Vegas’ win with an interception in the end zone, he made forcible contact with New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson on a catch along the sideline. The players’ helmets collided, and although Wilson stayed in the game for the Jets’ final snap, he later entered concussion protocol.
Wilson reported symptoms the next day, and the Jets placed him in the protocol by midweek. He was ruled out for New York’s Week 9 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
