NFL fines season-high 10 players for major fouls in Week 4

The NFL fined 10 players for major fouls in Week 4, a season high, including fines for hip-drop tackles, horse-collar tackles, and unsportsmanlike conduct

The NFL levied a season-high 10 fines for major fouls in Week 4, with a notable concentration of hip-drop tackles drawing league discipline.

Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero): The NFL fined a season-high 10 players for "major" fouls in Week 4: 🏈 Ravens LB Trenton Simpson ($17,911 for horse collar tackle) 🏈 Browns DT Adin Huntington ($5,620 for hip-drop tackle) 🏈 Cowboys CB Reddy Steward ($5,583 for hit on defenseless player) 🏈 Broncos OL Ben Powers ($17,911 for blindside block) 🏈 Lions LB Jack Campbell ($15,930 for hip-drop tackle) 🏈 Texans CB Kamari Lassiter ($13,639 for hit on defenseless player) 🏈 Rams LB Nate Landman ($11,111 for hit on defenseless player) 🏈 Jets S Minkah Fitzpatrick ($17,911 for hip-drop tackle) 🏈 Jets DE Darrell Jackson ($6,683 for hip-drop tackle) 🏈 Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori ($14,648 for hip-drop tackle) Three fines in any one category triggers an automatic one-game suspension. Players can appeal the fines.

The fines spanned multiple categories, with hip-drop tackles being the most common infraction. Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was fined $17,911 for a hip-drop tackle — the largest fine in that category — while teammates and opponents saw similar penalties.

Notably, the league also fined Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson $14,926 and running back Quinshon Judkins $14,397 for unsportsmanlike conduct related to what a source described as a "smoking" gesture after Judkins' touchdown last week.

Under NFL rules, three fines in any one category triggers an automatic one-game suspension for a player, though no player is currently at that threshold. Players have the ability to appeal their fines through the NFL-NFLPA appeals process.

The league's increased focus on hip-drop tackles follows an offseason directive emphasizing player safety and technique changes designed to reduce lower-body injuries.