Violent NFL hits

Atlanta Falcons

Violent NFL hits

The NFL is getting serious about suspending players for violent helmet collisions. In an effort to help prevent serious injuries, the NFL is considering instituting suspensions for such hits immediately.

The NFL fined several players for or violent helmet collisions in Week 6 games. Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson, (background, obscured) was fined $50,000, for his hit on Eagles' DeSean Jackson (10). The hit was so hard that both players left the game with a concussion. Philadelphia termed Jackson's concussion "severe" and does not expect him back for several weeks. He could not remember the play he had been hurt on. Robinson's status is unclear.

In Pittsburgh, hits by Steelers linebacker James Harrison, which will cost him $75,000, were responsible for knocking two Browns out of the game with head injuries: Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi. The hit on Cribbs was deemed legal, the one on Massaquoi (above) is under review by the NFL.

New England safety Brandon Meriweather is down $50,000 after left his feet, lowered his head, and made jarring helmet-to-helmet contact with Ravens tight end Todd Heap. Heap fell to the Gillette Stadium turf and stayed there for several minutes. Meriweather was unapologetic, saying the hit was legal and key to the Patriots' win.

Lions linebacker Zack Follett has been cleared to return to Detroit after being hospitalized following a violent head-on collision with New York's Jason Pierre-Paul that left him prone and motionless on the Meadowlands turf while covering a kickoff return.

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley (bottom) said he kept playing Sunday after suffering a concussion in the loss to Indianapolis before finally removing himself from the game. Cooley will see a specialist after suffering a concussion.

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The NFL fined several players for or violent helmet collisions in Week 6 games. Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson, (background, obscured) was fined $50,000, for his hit on Eagles' DeSean Jackson (10). The hit was so hard that both players left the game with a concussion. Philadelphia termed Jackson's concussion "severe" and does not expect him back for several weeks. He could not remember the play he had been hurt on. Robinson's status is unclear.

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