Steelers’ Watt among several fined by NFL

Packers Hall of Fame fullback Taylor dies at 83

NEW YORK, Oct 14, (Agencies): Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt has been fined $20,054 by the NFL for his hit on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, and the Steelers linebacker says he will appeal it.

Watt rolled into the right leg of Ryan during the Steelers’ 41-17 victory last Sunday and was called for roughing the passer. Watt, who had three sacks and was named the AFC defensive player of the week, said earlier in the week that he pulled his hands off the quarterback and that can be seen in the film.

Houston’s J.J. Watt, T.J.’s older brother, tweeted “That is insanity” and “$20,000 for this?!?!?” on Friday when news of the fine began to leak.

Among other players fined $20,054 on Saturday for illegal hits on quarterbacks include: the Jets’ Brandon Copeland, San Francisco’s K’Waun Williams, Indianapolis’ Najee Goode, Oakland’s Bruce Irvin and Baltimore’s Tony Jefferson.

Oakland’s Arden Key was docked $26,739 for unnecessary roughness in the Raiders’ loss to the Los Angles Chargers.

Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback Jim Taylor, who starred on the Green Bay Packers teams of legendary coach Vince Lombardi, died Saturday at the age of 83, the NFL team said.

“The Green Bay Packers family was saddened to learn of Jim Taylor’s passing this morning,” said Packers President Mark Murphy in a statement posted on the team’s website.

“He was a gritty, classic player on the Lombardi teams and a key figure of those great championship runs. One of the best runners of his era, he later was beloved by multiple generations of Packers fans.

“He returned many times to Lambeau Field with his fellow alumni. Jim always looked like he could still play. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Helen, and their family and friends.”

The Packers said Taylor died “unexpectedly” at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but cause of death was immediately given.

The Cleveland Browns will sign former Baltimore Ravens receiver Breshad Perriman, according to multiple reports.

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Perriman, a product of Central Florida, in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft but released him in September. He was on the roster of the Washington Redskins for less than a week later in September.

Cleveland is bringing him aboard to bolster a depleted group of wide receivers.