NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) - Jackie Battle of the Tennessee Titans has been fined $21,000 by the NFL, becoming the first running back to be docked by the league for lowering the crown of his helmet into an opponent.
The new rule prohibits running backs from delivering blows with the crown of their helmet once they are outside the tackle box.
Battle hit Houston’s Danieal Manning during the Texans’ 30-24 victory Sunday but was not penalized on the field.
He was fined Thursday and is appealing.
“I didn’t expect it,” Battle said Friday. “I thought it was a perfectly legal play. I’ve been running like that my whole career, so I didn’t think they’d get me for it. It came yesterday. I couldn’t even eat lunch. It made me sick.”
Battle said he wouldn’t change his bruising style.
“I’ve got to protect myself,” he said. “If somebody’s going to go low on me, I’ve got to get low too. The low man wins. I’m not going to change the way I run one bit.”
Notes: The Titans (1-1) got receiver Kendall Wright back at practice Friday after he missed two days with concussion-like symptoms. Tennessee’s leading receiver with nine catches for 65 yards and a touchdown, Wright was cleared by a neurologist Friday morning and is probable for Sunday’s game with the San Diego Chargers (1-1). … Right tackle David Stewart did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable along with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who hurt his hamstring Thursday and did not practice Friday. Wreh-Wilson will be a game-time decision. … Defensive tackle Sammie Hill (ankle) will not play after missing his third straight practice. Running back Shonn Greene, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday, is also out.
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