Derek Barnett was the one who delivered the hit that resulted in Jamaal Williams being carted off the field on Thursday night, but the Philadelphia Eagles defensive end is not expected to be suspended for it.
Officials chose not to eject Barnett from the game because they felt the helmet shot was not egregious, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he could be fined but will not face a suspension. The league apparently agrees that Barnett did not intentionally aim for the head.
A suspension is not being considered for Eagles’ DE Derek Barnett, per source. https://t.co/21GAeWxbod
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2019
Just a few minutes after the start of Philadelphia’s win over the Green Bay Packers, Williams caught a short pass from Aaron Rodgers and was stood up by a few Eagles players. His forward progress appeared to be stopped when Barnett came in and delivered a big blow.
Replay of Derek Barnett's hit on Jamaal Williams… Brutal! pic.twitter.com/EvF86RGJJR
— #BusinessAintBoomin (@ftbeard_17) September 27, 2019
Williams was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a stretcher, but the Packers announced soon after that he had movement and feeling in all of his limbs.
Hits always appear worse in slow motion, but the league probably could have justified a suspension with the way Barnett came charging in after Williams’ forward progress was stopped. He’s fortunate if he gets away with just a fine.
Williams was actually one of two players who were stretchered off the field during Thursday night’s game, but fortunately both are expected to be fine.
