Julian Edelman’s wallet took a hit Thursday.
The NFL has fined the New England Patriots wide receiver $23,409 for a hit on a defenseless player during Sunday night’s 23-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals, a source told ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss. (Reiss initially reported the fine as $26,000 before later correcting it.)
Reiss’ source did not specify the hit in question, but it likely was the one Edelman laid on Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon on the first play of New England’s second offensive drive.
During a 21-yard catch-and-run by James White, Edelman sprinted back toward the line of scrimmage and launched himself into the facemask of Bucannon, who’d been engaged with Patriots guard Joe Thuney and turned his head upfield moments before impact. The hit was not penalized on the field.
Edelman, who caught seven passes for 66 yards in the win, plans to appeal the fine, per Reiss’ source.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
