Saints’ Onyemata hit with big fine
Two illegal hits cost
David Onyemata more than he made for playing in New Orleans’ season opener.
The Saints defensive tackle was fined $40,108 by the NFL for two roughing-the-passer calls — $20,054 for each of the penalties — in a 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday.
The first came in the third quarter on an incomplete pass by Ryan
Fitzpatrick, when Onyemata violated the new rule requiring defensive players to avoid putting their full weight on quarterbacks. The second occurred during a 36yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson in the fourth quarter when Onyemata made contact with Fitzpatrick’s helmet.
Onyemata, in his third NFL season, makes a base salary of $630,000 this season — or $39,375 per game.
Onyemata was one of several players fined $20,054 for roughing the passer in the league’s opening weekend, joining the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald, Minnesota’s Sheldon Richardson, Atlanta’s Grady Jarrett and Dallas’ DeMarcus Lawrence.
New England safety
Duron Harmon was fined $26,739 for his hit on Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, which drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. In other news:
• Tennessee coach
Mike Vrabel said that he expects to play both starting quarterback Marcus Mariota and backup Blaine Gabbert in Sunday’s game against the Texans. Mariota did not throw during the open portion of practice Fridayand was listed as limited and questionable on the team’s final injury report.
• Pittsburgh quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger returned to practice after skipping two workouts because of a right elbow injury. The 36year-old’s status for Pittsburgh’s home opener against Kansas City is uncertain.
• Atlanta running back
Devonta Freeman was ruled out for Sunday’s game against Carolina because of a knee injury. Freeman was not able to practice all week. He was injured in a season-opening loss to Philadelphia.
• Seattle signed linebacker Mychal Kendricks despite his recent guilty plea on insider trading charges. The signing raised the possibility Kendricks will be able to play Monday night when Seattle plays at Chicago.