NFL fines Ravens LB Roquan Smith more than $16,000 for hip-drop tackle that ended Chris Godwin’s season

At first glance, it did not appear that Smith performed a hip-drop tackle during the television broadcast. However, All-22 footage taken from the end zone shows Smith making contact with Godwin with his upper body and wrapping both arms around him. Immediately after making contact, Smith’s legs swing forward and his body lands on Godwin’s left leg, causing the ankle injury.

Smith was not flagged for the tackle during the match.

Results like Monday night’s are exactly why the competition banned the hip-drop tackle during the annual league meeting in March. It’s not the first notable hip-drop tackle to lead to an injury: Texans running back Joe Mixon was taken down by Bears linebacker TJ Edwards on a hip-drop tackle in Week 2, causing a high ankle sprain that cost Mixon three matches cost. – but it has led to the biggest injury to a star player this season. Despite the league’s best efforts, it’s clear the tackle won’t disappear from football immediately, as Smith became the tenth player to be fined for the tackle this season.

The injury ended a season that could have been Godwin’s best of his career. Through seven weeks, he had racked up a league-leading 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns, providing the perfect complement for Buccaneers star Mike Evans in an explosive offense.

Evans also left Monday night’s game with a hamstring injury, making for a nightmarish night for the Buccaneers.