Meriweather likely facing steep fine, no suspension
ASHBURN, Va. -- Brandon Meriweather wasn't penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in Green Bay Packers' running back Eddie Lacy's concussion, but the Washington Redskins' safety is expected to be fined for the fourth time for an illegal hit.
Meriweather isn't facing a one-game suspension for his latest violation, ESPN reported. Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson was suspended one game Monday for repeat offenses, including Sunday's flagged hit against the New Orleans Saints. Goldson leads the NFL in personal fouls since 2010.
Meriweather sent Lacy to the locker room on the rookie running back's first carry in the first quarter but also suffered a concussion of his own trying to tackle Packers backup running back James Starks.
"To be honest with you, on the first one it looked like the running back was kind of going downhill and when Brandon went for the tackle it looked to me like it was perfect and then all of a sudden when (Lacy) ducked his head, I couldn't tell -- I didn't see the TV copy, I just saw the video -- and that's exactly where the contact was," Shanahan said. "The second one on the sidelines, that's what you're supposed to do. That's a legal hit," he said.
Meriweather has played for the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears and drew player-safety related fines with each team. He was fined $50,000 in 2010 for striking a defenseless receiver and drew two fines with the Bears -- $20,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit and $25,000 for unnecessary roughness.
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said both hits were violations.
"The Washington safety definitely led with his helmet, so I know that's not what we're looking for," he said.
Starks turned in the Packers' first 100-yard rushing game in 44 regular-season games and could get another start this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lacy's status won't be determined until Wednesday or Thursday, McCarthy said.
Meriweather is also being evaluated for a concussion under the league's head-injury protocol. Shanahan said he would offer more on Meriweather's condition when it was available, likely Wednesday.
