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Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens middle linebacker Roquan Smith wouldn’t comment Thursday on whether he has been fined by the NFL, but said he never intended to hurt Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in Baltimore’s 41-31 win Monday night.
The NFL is reviewing Smith’s tackle from behind on Godwin to determine whether it contained all the elements of a hip-drop tackle, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith could be fined by the league if it’s ruled a hip-drop tackle, which was made illegal this offseason.
“I never go into any game meaning to injure any player,” Smith said. “I want every player to go back home safe and sound to their family — maybe a little sore.”
Smith was not penalized during the game. Asked if he has heard from the NFL, Smith replied: “That’s not really something to discuss in this moment.”
Under league rules, a hip-drop tackle must involve three criteria: the tackler grabs the ball carrier with both hands or wraps him with both arms; unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body; and then lands on and traps the opponent’s leg(s) at or below the knee.
The Ravens have been among the biggest supporters of removing hip-drop tackles from the game after tight end Mark Andrews suffered a serious ankle injury from one last season.
On Monday night, the issue was raised again. With a minute left, Godwin caught a pass over the middle and shook off a tackle before getting pulled down by Smith. Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle and was carted off the field.
Asked whether the play fit the definition of a hip-drop tackle, Smith said he is sending prayers to Godwin and hoping for a speedy recovery.
“I got a lot of respect for him as a player and what he has accomplished throughout this league,” Smith said. “You never want to see anybody go down with any type of injury. But we play a very physical game. It demands a lot. Bullets are flying pretty fast.”
Godwin’s season ended with him leading the NFL with 50 catches and ranking second with 576 yards receiving.