Jets' Robert Saleh sends warning to players about practice fights

The New York Giants and Detroit Lions excited onlookers and generated headlines when players from both teams engaged in fights during joint training-camp practices involving the clubs on Monday and Tuesday.

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh warned his players about taking part in such skirmishes ahead of his team's joint practice with the Washington Commanders on Thursday.

"It’s the same thing we always tell our guys — we’re just trying to get better, trying to compete," Saleh said while speaking with reporters on Wednesday, as shared by Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "It is heightened for sure, but … I know DQ [Washington coach Dan Quinn]. He and I have a really good relationship. I know the way he coaches, he knows the way we coach, and I’m not overly concerned."

The NFL clearly wasn't amused by the actions of Giants and Lions players earlier in the week as the league confirmed on Wednesday that both teams were fined $200,000. Later that same day, Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf went viral when NFL Network cameras caught a glimpse of him swinging a helmet toward a teammate during a practice.

Saleh understands disagreements among teammates and opposing players are largely unavoidable during practice sessions that occur under the hot summer sun. He also has one rule he demands his players follow.

"Are there going to be a couple of shoving matches? I’m sure, but … we do our best not to punch," Saleh noted. "I know we haven’t been great at it here since [Tuesday’s practice], but that’s the big rule — just don’t punch. You’re going to get into these shoving matches, but like I’ve told our guys, if you throw a punch, you’re kicked out of a game, so don’t do it in practice."

It was unknown as of Thursday morning if Metcalf would be punished for his helmet swing, but it seems unlikely he'd receive anything from the league other than a financial slap on the wrist. As much as Saleh may enjoy his players practicing with what he refers to as "violence," Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams made it clear he and others realize that throwing punches is unacceptable because doing so can result in ejections from games and subsequent suspensions. 

"Joint practice is another day to work on being disciplined," Williams added.

The Jets open their preseason with a home game versus the Commanders on Saturday afternoon.