NFL Fines All-Pro LB for Season-Ending Tackle on Buccaneers’ Star WR

Roquan Smith, the All-Pro linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, is unlikely to receive a warm reception the next time his team faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This follows a recent incident in which he was fined for a tackle that resulted in a season-ending injury to star wide receiver Chris Godwin. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL penalized Smith for executing what was deemed a hip-drop tackle during their Week 7 matchup on Monday Night Football. This tackle caused Godwin to suffer a dislocated ankle, sidelining one of the league’s premier receivers for the remainder of the season.

The NFL has taken a firm stance on hip-drop tackles, which were officially banned in March 2024. The league implemented strict penalties for such actions, including a 15-yard penalty and a fine of $16,833 for a first offense, with escalating fines for subsequent infractions. Smith’s fine was not his first this season; he had previously incurred a penalty of $16,391 for a horse-collar tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs and another for roughing the passer against the Detroit Lions.

In response to the rise in player injuries related to specific tackling techniques, NFL Operations outlined the hip-drop tackle: it occurs when a defender wraps up a ball carrier and uses their hips to drop onto the player’s legs. The NFL analyzed over 20,000 tackles in the past two seasons and found that this technique led to lower extremity injuries at a significantly higher rate than other tackling methods, presenting an unacceptable risk to player health and safety.

Roquan Smith has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive players. Since being drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Bears in 2018, he has become a four-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler. In March 2023, he signed a five-year contract extension worth $100 million with the Ravens, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

In a statement following the incident, Smith expressed his regret over Godwin’s injury, stating, “I never go into any game meaning to injure any player… I have a lot of respect for [Godwin] as a player and what he has accomplished throughout this league. You never want to see anybody go down with any type of injury. But we play a very physical game. It demands a lot. Bullets are flying pretty fast.” This highlights the inherent risks and physicality of football, where injuries, while unfortunate, are an all-too-common part of the game.

The injury to Chris Godwin not only impacts the Ravens but poses significant implications for the Buccaneers as well. Godwin has been a key player for Tampa Bay since they selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He has consistently performed at a high level, and prior to his injury, he was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, ranking fourth in the NFL with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. Godwin was on track for his fourth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite receivers.

However, this injury raises concerns about his future in Tampa Bay. Godwin is in the final year of a three-year, $60 million contract extension he signed in March 2022, and the Buccaneers had already declined to extend his contract during the preseason. With this injury, his time with the Buccaneers may be nearing an end, especially as the team evaluates their roster and salary cap implications moving forward.

In addition to Godwin, the Buccaneers faced further challenges in that game, with fellow wide receiver Mike Evans also exiting due to a hamstring injury. Evans is expected to be sidelined until at least after their Week 11 bye, compounding the difficulties for Tampa Bay’s offense as they navigate the remainder of the season without two of their top receiving threats.

The impact of injuries in the NFL extends beyond individual players to affect entire teams and their playoff aspirations. The Buccaneers, already in a competitive division, will have to adjust their offensive strategy significantly in Godwin’s absence. It will challenge the coaching staff to find new ways to utilize the remaining roster, likely placing a greater burden on their running game and other receivers who will need to step up.

For Smith, while the fine and the consequences of his tackle serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with certain playing techniques, they also reflect the ongoing evolution of the NFL in prioritizing player safety. The league is increasingly holding players accountable for actions that can lead to serious injuries, particularly as awareness around head injuries and other long-term health risks continues to grow.

In the broader context of the NFL, this incident reflects the tension between maintaining the physicality that defines football and ensuring the safety of its players. As the league continues to implement rules aimed at reducing injuries, players like Smith must adapt their playing style to avoid penalties and fines that can impact their teams financially and competitively.

As the Ravens and Buccaneers prepare for their next encounters in the regular season, the fallout from this incident will linger. For Smith, the focus will shift to refining his tackling techniques to avoid future infractions, while for Godwin, the road to recovery will be paramount as he hopes to return to form next season. The NFL, meanwhile, will continue to navigate the delicate balance between the aggressive nature of the sport and the safety of its athletes.

However, the fine imposed on Roquan Smith serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s commitment to player safety and the repercussions of physical play. With the league evolving to protect its players, athletes must adapt to new regulations while striving to maintain their competitive edge. The injury to Chris Godwin not only alters the trajectory of his season but also raises questions about his future with the Buccaneers, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football and the challenges that players face both on and off the field.