NFL decides on discipline over controversial Kerby Joseph hit
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph high-fives teammates before the Denver Broncos game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Photo Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
The NFL has delivered its verdict on the controversial hit by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph that led to a torn ACL for Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee.
The league did not fine Joseph for his hit on Higbee in the NFC Wild Card round, which was determined to be legal. He was, however, fined for an unrelated incidence of unnecessary roughness.
The NFL didn’t fine #Lions DB Kerby Joseph for the (legal) hit that blew out #Rams TE Tyler Higbee’s knee last week — but Joseph was fined $5,052 for unnecessary roughness on a play in the first quarter.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 20, 2024
Rams players, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford, were critical of Joseph’s tackling after the injury. Joseph has a habit of going low on opponents, which also led to the same injury for Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson earlier in the season. For his part, Joseph has dismissed any accusations of being a dirty player.
One can certainly take issue with Joseph’s play, but he is trying to avoid head-to-head contact while bringing down players who are bigger than he is. The NFL was never going to take a stance against this hit.