Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue was not fined for his low hit on Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas. Thomas suffered a season-ending knee injury as a result of the hit.
Ngakoue attempted to avoid a sift block by going low and hitting Thomas at his knees.
Ngakoue was not penalized because the play is actually legal. The low block was allowed because it occurred as Thomas was inside the tackle box.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera felt Ngakoue’s hit was “avoidable.”
Initially the team feared Thomas tore his ACL and MCL. However, an MRI revealed Thomas avoided a tear in his ACL. He was placed on IR despite the team doctors not knowing the extent of the injury.
The Raiders other star defensive end was not as fortunate to avoid a fine. Maxx Crosby was fined $15,450 or his roughing the passer penalty on Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Crosby’s hit on Heinicke drew a warranted penalty by the letter of the rule. However, many questioned the rule itself, as it makes it hard for pass rushers to hit the quarterback.
