Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Ravens LB could be subject to fine for tackle that injured Chris Godwin

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Oct 22, 2024 1:33 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin exited Monday's 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter.

The veteran pass catcher took a rough hit from linebacker Roquan Smith that appeared to twist his ankle in an unnatural direction. Godwin was eventually carted off the field, clearly distraught from what could be a season-ending injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the league is reviewing the hit by Smith, noting it appears to meet all the requirements for the banned "hip-drop tackle." If the league determines it does meet the threshold, Smith would be subject to a fine.

Here is the play on which Chris Godwin was hurt that now will be under review: https://t.co/wzw0Ob5jPn pic.twitter.com/7JOYezfrsQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2024

The controversial penalty, introduced by the league this year, hasn't been actively called in games very much this season. But several fines have been handed out after the fact.

According to the league, hip-drop tackles are defined as when a defender “grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms,” and “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

Jon Runyan, the league's compliance officer for player accountability will make the determination. If fined, Smith will be able to appeal the decision.

Per Spotrac, Smith has only been fined four times in his career for a total of $64,255, the most recent of which was after a Week 1 horse-collar tackle against Kansas City.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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