Cowboys’ Elliott fined for lowering helmet on hit against Eagles

Dallas Cowboys star running Ezekiel Elliott has been fined $26,739 for unnecessary roughness for leading with his helmet and making contact with the Eagles’ Corey Graham in a Week 14 game.

The fine, announced by the NFL on Saturday, makes Elliott the first offensive player docked money under the league’s new helmet rule. Elliott’s act came in the fourth quarter and was replayed several times on TV.

It was the second time in four games Elliott was fined, though hardly for a similar offense the last time. He was docked $13,369 for unsportsmanlike conduct when he put money into the Salvation Army kettle behind the end zone after scoring a touchdown against Washington.

Saints linebacker Demario Davis drew the same $26,739 fine for a similar hit, as did Falcons safety Damontae Kazee and two Colts defensive backs, Malik Hooker and Mike Adams.

The week’s biggest fine was given to Atlanta linebacker Deion Jones, $33,425 for fighting. Jones was involved in a skirmish after a hit on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Green Bay.

Also fined from that game was Packers center Corey Linsley, $10,026 for unnecessary roughness.

Jets cornerback Buster Skrine got a $20,054 fine for his hit on Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, and teammate Henry Anderson was fined $10,026 for unnecessary roughness. Bills guard Dion Dawkins was docked $20,054 for a chop block.

Miami LB Kiko Alonso also was fined $20,054 for unnecessary roughness.

Tennessee tackle Taylor Lewan got hit for $13,369 for unnecessary roughness. Fined $10,026 for the same offense were Oakland’s Johnathan Hankins and Cleveland’s Jermaine Whitehead. Washington’s Josh Doctson got a $10,026 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is listed as questionable to play at Buffalo.

He was limited Friday in practice because of a back ailment. Stafford says he has played with the injury previously and plans to do that again against the Bills on Sunday. He has started 125 regularseason games, the thirdlongest streak active QB streak and sixth-longest in league history.

Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) and linebacker Devon Kennard (hip) are also questionable on the injury report.

The New Orleans Saints have ruled out left tackle Terron Armstead for Monday night’s game at Carolina because of a chest injury.

Armstead is the Saints’ second-highest paid offensive player after Drew Brees but has missed the past four games. He has yet to play since returning to practice on a limited basis nearly two weeks ago.

The Saints already have clinched the NFC South title and now are vying for the NFC’s top seed.

New Orleans has won three of the four games Armstead has missed, with veteran Jermon Bushrod filling in.