NFL Fines Two Texans a Combined $18,028 for Plays in the Week 7 Loss to the Giants
Even on their bye week, the Texans heard from the league: cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram was fined $6,361 for a late hit on kickoff coverage, and safety M.J. Stewart $11,667 for an unflagged hip-drop tackle - the kind of repeat violation that can bring a suspension next time.
HOUSTON - The NFL fined Houston Texans cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram and safety M.J. Stewart a combined $18,028 for infractions committed during the team's 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants in Week 7, the league announced during the Texans' bye week.
Ingram's infraction came first. He received a $6,361 fine for unnecessary roughness, a late hit during kickoff coverage in the second quarter, on a 25-yard return by Giants wide receiver Charlie Jones. Officials flagged the play on the field, and the personal foul gave New York improved field position; the Giants reached field-goal range on the ensuing possession before missing the attempt as time expired in the half. Ingram's fine was reduced as a first-time offender - the maximum for the infraction can reach $11,941 on an initial offense.
Stewart's was the larger fine, and it came on a play the officials let go. He was docked $11,667 for unnecessary roughness on a hip-drop tackle in the fourth quarter: on first-and-10 from the Texans' 41-yard line, Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed a short pass to tight end Isaiah Likely for four yards, Stewart made the tackle, and the drive continued on to a touchdown. Hip-drop tackles carry a maximum first-offense fine of $17,911, and another similar violation can put Stewart at risk of a one-game suspension under the league's player-safety guidelines.
The league did not stop with Houston. Giants running back Cam Skattebo was fined $7,073 for illegal use of the helmet in the same game. The Texans, 2-5, return from the bye on November 8 against the Chargers.
