Arthur Smith, Falcons fined for violating NFL’s injury report policy

May 25, 2021; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has determined that the Atlanta Falcons violated the league’s injury report policy earlier this year.

The Falcons have been fined $75,000 for violating the NFL’s injury report policy prior to their Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to multiple reports. Head coach Arthur Smith has also been fined $25,000.

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson barely played in the team’s 16-13 win over the Bucs. The rookie later revealed that he was battling an illness, which raised questions about whether the NFL properly reported his status. That is what led to the fines for Smith and the team.

This is related to Bijan Robinson's limited role in Week 7. Smith said Robinson wasn't feeling well, but he wasn't on the injury report. The league looked into the matter and now has taken action. https://t.co/u8dkxNe5FT

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2023

There was a report that the Falcons never had any doubt Robinson would play, which may have been the reason they left him off the injury report. Obviously, league officials felt the Falcons did not fulfill their responsibilities.

The situation with the Falcons was not the only one we have seen this season that raised questions about an injury report violation. It initially looked like the Cincinnati Bengals may have been guilty of an even more egregious violation, but they were ultimately cleared.