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Jamison Hensley, ESPN staff essayist
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens middle linebacker Roquan Smith declined to comment Thursday on whether he has been fined by the NFL, but he said he should never hurt Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, who was injured. a season-ending ankle injury in Baltimore’s 41-31 victory Monday night.
The NFL is reviewing Smith’s version from behind Godwin to decide whether or not it contained all the parts of a hip drop version, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith could be fined by the league if he performs a hip drop maneuver, which was illegal this offseason.
“I never go into any game with the intention of injuring any player,” Smith said. “I want all the players to come home safely to their families, maybe a little sore.”
Smith was no longer penalized throughout the game. When asked if he had heard from the NFL, Smith responded, “That’s not really something to discuss right now.”
According to league rules, a hip drop stance must contain three criteria: the tackler grabs the ball serve with both arms or wraps it with both fingers; weight is unloaded by turning and losing the hips and/or lowering the structure; and then lands and traps the opponent’s leg(s) at or below the knee.
The Ravens were some of the biggest supporters of eliminating tight end hip-drop tackles from the game. Mark Andrews suffered significant ankle trauma last season.
On Monday afternoon the problem was raised again. With a small left, Godwin made a pass down the middle and dodged a grab before being dragged down by Smith. Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle and was carted out of the yard.
When asked if the games fit the definition of hip drop, Smith mentioned that he is sending prayers to Godwin and hoping for a quick healing.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a player and what he’s accomplished throughout this league,” Smith said. “You never want to see anyone go down with any type of injury. But we play a very physical game. It’s very demanding. The bullets fly pretty fast.”
Godwin’s season ended with him leading the NFL with 50 receptions and scoring second with 576 receiving yards.
