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NFL Declines to Fine Tyree Wilson On Controversial Tackle

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 10:14 AM ET

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins has likely seen his breakout season cut short after suffering a foot injury on a hip-drop tackle by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson in the third quarter of Denver’s 10–7 Week 10 win over Las Vegas. Dobbins voiced his frustration with the NFL’s handling of the banned tackling technique after the game and so far, his anger appears justified. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Wilson was not fined for the play, with the league determining the tackle did not qualify as an illegal hip-drop.

“The NFL did not fine Raiders OLB Tyree Wilson for the tackle that injured JK Dobbins, determining it was not an illegal hip drop,” Pelissero reported on X (formerly Twitter).

No flag was thrown on the field either, despite the tackle appearing to mirror the league’s own definition of a foul, which prohibits dropping one’s hips onto a runner’s legs at or below the knee.

The NFL did not fine Raiders OLB Tyree Wilson for the tackle that injured JK Dobbins, determining it was not an illegal hip drop.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 15, 2025

Dobbins’ Season Likely Over After Surgery

Dobbins underwent foot surgery following the game, and the Broncos placed him on injured reserve on Saturday. Barring a Denver run to the Super Bowl, his season is effectively over.

The injury comes in the midst of the best campaign of his career:

5th in the NFL in rushing yards (772)
153 carries, 4 rushing TDs
5.0 yards per carry

Before exiting Thursday’s game, Dobbins had 18 carries for 77 yards, once again setting the tone for Denver’s offense.

He was on pace to post the highest single-season rushing total by a Broncos player since 2003, and his first career 1,000-yard season after signing a one-year, $2.065 million deal with Denver this offseason.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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