The NFL is scheduled to announce their new policy for players issuing "devastating hits" and "head shots" on Wednesday.
According to a report by ESPN.com, NFL vice president of football operations Ray Anderson announced that the policy will be in effect for Week 7 matchups and even first-time offenders will face suspension.
"We can't and won't tolerate what we saw Sunday," Anderson said on Monday. "We've got to get the message to players that these devastating hits and head shots will be met with a very necessary higher standard of accountability. We have to dispel the notion that you get one free pass in these egregious or flagrant shots."
The NFL had previously enforced a policy where first-time offenders — and sometimes second-time offenders — received fines for destructive hits. But, as pointed out by former Patriots' defensive back Rodney Harrison, fines aren't enough to stop players that are earning millions each season.
Anderson says the suspension intends to prevent serious injury.
"What we saw Sunday was disturbing," Anderson said. "We're talking about avoiding life-altering impacts."
Patriots' safety Brandon Meriweather wasn't the only player to deliver a head shot on Sunday. Steelers' linebacker James Harrison was the driving force behind two head injuries to members of the Cleveland Browns, and Jets' safety Jim Leonhard was penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit against Brandon Lloyd of the Denver Broncos.
Anderson would not discuss the punishment for the hits from Sunday's games.
