NFL set to fine Lions DL Bruce Irvin $7,766 for brutal tackle on Saints QB Derek Carr

Bruce Irvin, once a first-round pick for the Seattle Seahawks, has recently found a new home with the Detroit Lions mid-season. His arrival injected a fresh vigor into the Lions’ defensive lineup, evident in their recent triumph over the New Orleans Saints.

Despite the positive impact of the defensive lineman’s debut in Detroit, the NFL swiftly introduced Irvin to the not-so-welcome tradition of fines, casting a shadow over what seemed like a promising start to his tenure with the Lions.

Bruce Irvin slapped with $7,766 fine

In his Detroit Lions debut in Week 13, Bruce Irvin’s luck saw him digest a costly $7766 fine.  The standout moment, or rather, the controversial one, came with a forceful hit on Saints’ quarterback Derek Carr.

Bruce Irvin’s hit on Carr during the game raised eyebrows, drawing a 15-yard penalty and sparking concern for Carr’s well-being. The hit resulted in Carr exiting the game due to a concussion, prompting immediate medical attention.

The league’s emphasis on player safety, especially for quarterbacks, has heightened scrutiny on hits, and Irvin’s hit on Carr was no exception. Landing with his full weight on Carr rather than falling to the side as prescribed by the league, he triggered the penalty and fueled expectations of an ensuing fine.

Irvin acknowledged his familiarity with Carr from their time together in Oakland, suggesting he knew the pressure would rattle the quarterback. Additionally, he clarified that there was no intent to injure Carr, emphasizing that it was a regrettable mistake in his first game with which he landed in the NFL’s bad book with his teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown for roughness on the field.

Despite the fine, Bruce Irvin’s impact on the defensive end was evident, playing 11 snaps and securing one sack. According to Yahoo Sports, the Lions opted not to elevate him from the practice squad for the subsequent game against the Chicago Bears, perhaps indicating a cautious approach in the aftermath of the controversial hit.

Derek Carr’s injury update

In a season plagued by injuries, Saints quarterback Derek finds himself facing another setback. The recent hit from Bruce Irvin, the second in a month, has not only placed Carr in concussion protocol but has also brought a rib injury into the equation, further complicating his season.

Saints coach Dennis Allen confirmed on Monday that Carr is undergoing concussion protocol for the second time in the past month. This is not Carr’s first encounter with the repercussions of a forceful hit. 

In the Saints’ game against the Vikings on November 12, Carr, who recently signed a four-year deal with the Saints, suffered a concussion, initiating a series of early exits from games due to injuries. The recurrence of such incidents within a short span raises legitimate concerns about the cumulative effect on Carr’s health.

When questioned about the possibility of resting Carr due to the cumulative impact of these injuries, Allen drew a distinction between Carr’s situation and Jameis Winston’s last year, emphasizing that each case is unique and will be evaluated accordingly.

As the New Orleans Saints gear up to face the Carolina Panthers in a crucial Week 14 battle in the NFC South, Carr’s availability remains uncertain. In spite of being officially listed as questionable, Carr managed to participate in a full practice on Friday.

His readiness to play on Sunday hinges on clearance from an independent neurologist. ESPN reported that he is expected to start Sunday’s clash vs. the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints and their fans await the final decision, hoping for Carr’s swift recovery and return to the field.