NFL fines Richardson after Lions loss – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is paying for his running ability. Literally.

The NFL fined Richardson $22,511 for unnecessary roughness during a first-down run play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Richardson ran through Lions safety Brian Branch and gained 17 yards on the play. Richardson led with the crown of his helmet, ducking his head into Branch’s head as he went to throw off the tackle. Richardson was not called for a penalty at the time of the hit. This run was the longest of Richardson’s ten runs against the Lions. The 22-year-old quarterback led the Colts with 61 yards on the ground.

This fine is the first of Richardson’s young two-year career.

According to the NFL and NFLPA’s fine schedule, a player who improperly uses his helmet will be fined $22,511 on his first offense – the highest of any violation in the Player Safety Rules section. The second offense is increased to $45,020.

Spotrac lists Richardson as only the second quarterback this season to be fined for improper helmet use – the first being Trey Lance of the Dallas Cowboys after the 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10 was fined.

Richardson and the Colts are recovering from the Lions’ loss and preparing for a road trip to New England this weekend. According to ESPN, Indy is a 2.5-point favorite heading into Saturday night.

Richardson will be without his favorite receiver Josh Downs, who is sidelined with a right shoulder injury. Fellow receiver Ashton Dulin will also be out with an ankle injury.

The Colts take on the Patriots at 1 p.m. ET. Stay with WISH for the only one-hour Colts pre-game show, Countdown to Kickoff, beginning at 11 a.m., followed by the only live postgame show immediately following the game.