Ezekiel Elliott was the first offensive player this year to be penalized for lowering his helmet to initiate contact, and it’ll cost him a pretty penny, too.
Elliott lowered his helmet on a run down the right sideline against Philadelphia last week, going low against defensive back Corey Graham. He was banged up on the play as well, suffering a stinger.
Now the NFL has fined Elliott $26,739 for the infraction, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer — a fine he’ll appeal.
The rule Elliott violated is one that’s been controversial all year. Notably, it’s been controversial because the league has only seemed to enforce it on defensive players. In reality, the blade is supposed to cut both ways, but Elliott just happens to be the first offensive player to be penalized for this.