New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered multiple injuries following a monster hit by Detroit Lions defensive lineman Bruce Irvin in Week 13.
In addition to being placed in concussion protocol, Carr also suffered shoulder, back and rib injuries. He did not return to the game and is currently questionable to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Irvin was penalized for roughing the passer because he landed with the full weight of his body on the quarterback, an emphasis for officials in 2023. That’s generally accompanied by a significant fine and while Irvin did receive a FedEx package from the league, his wallet wasn’t hit nearly as hard as anticipated.
The minimal fine is surprising given how oppressive the football operations compliance team has been this season. They’ve handed out similar or greater penalties for lesser violations in recent weeks, including a $16,391 fine for Leonard Williams for bringing Brock Purdy to the round in Week 3.
Ultimately, the league determined that Irvin’s hit wasn’t malicious and he was essentially just fined the floor amount for roughing the passer.
This time around, Irvin benefited from the NFL’s wild inconsistency. But he should be careful about celebrating because the league is likely to make it up the next time he’s subject to a fine.
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