Illegal hits prove costly to 3 players

Cardinals wide receiver Seahawks safety and Chiefs linebacker

were fined $24,309 apiece by the NFL on Friday.

Fitzgerald’s fine resulted from an illegal crackback block against the Texans on Sunday. He was assessed a 15-yard penalty after

was stopped for no gain on the play, which occurred midway through the first quarter of the Cardinals’ 31-21 loss in Houston.

Thomas was docked for his hit on who caught a touchdown pass to give the Falcons a 31-20 lead in the third quarter Monday night. Thomas was penalized for hitting Toilolo in the helmet with his shoulder in the end zone.

Smith incurred his fine because of a blindside, helmet-to-helmet hit on Giants long snapper

during a punt return late in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 12-9 loss. Smith will miss Sunday’s game against the Bills with a concussion.

Cutler ruled out: Dolphins quarterback was ruled out against the Patriots because of a concussion, and backup

will make his second start of the season.

Cutler practiced Friday but remains in the concussion protocol. He threw three interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers before he left at halftime because of his injury.

Moore threw for 282 yards and a score in the second half. He started for an injured Cutler three weeks ago in Baltimore, a game the Dolphins lost 40-0. Revis ready? Newly cornerback

could be activated by the Chiefs for Sunday’s game against the Bills.

Chiefs coach said after the team’s practice it was clear Revis, who signed a two-year deal Wednesday, has been out a while but added that the seven-time Pro Bowl pick “looked good moving around.”

The Chiefs are hopeful Revis can start opposite

once he’s up to speed.

Freeman Running acquired

sitting back remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and was ruled out for the Falcons’ game against the Buccaneers.

Freeman, who was hurt Nov. 12 against the Cowboys, returned to practice on a non-contact, limited basis. He has a shot to be cleared before the Falcons meet the Vikings on Dec. 3.

again:

Steelers

Extra points: rookie WR

will not play against the Packers after missing practice all week with a hamstring injury. ... Ravens coach

is “not cool” with backup QB verbal abuse of an official that resulted in a $12,154 fine from the NFL and said Mallett will also be disciplined internally . ... Jets RB

will be a game-time decision to play against the Panthers because of his ailing right knee. Forte, who returned to practice on a limited basis, hasn’t played or practiced fully since Nov. 2. ... Jaguars CB

will not play versus the Cardinals after jamming his hand on a pass play in practice.