Falcons free safety Damontae Kazee was fined $10,026 for the hit he put on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton on Friday.

He became the third Falcons player to be fined this season. Grady Jarrett was fined ($20,054) for his hit on Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and tight end Eric Saubert was fined ($10,026) for a face-mask penalty against the Eagles.

Also, defensive end Takk McKinley was fined $10,026 for coming to the aid of Kazee after Carolina wide receiver Torrey Smith pushed him down. Smith was also fined $10,026.

“I have to learn when to take my shot and not take my shot,” Kazee said Wednesday. “When he was sliding, I was already in the air. I tried to lean over to the left and nicked him with my face mask. I apologized for the hit and everything.”

Kazee was involved in another high-profile hit, when he  lowered his helmt to hit Jacksonville wide receiver Marqise Lee, who suffered a serious knee injury and is out for the season.

Kazee received a penalty, but was not fined for the hit on Lee.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Unlike last season, when Kirk Cousins was the undisputed starter for the Atlanta Falcons at quarterback heading into training camp, this season it's Michael Penix Jr. (center). Training camp begins next week. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (right) tours the Vine City neighborhood with his senior advisor Courtney English (left). (Matt Reynolds/AJC 2024)

Credit: Matt Reynolds