NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NFL fined Bills linebacker Andre Smith $5,806 for his hit on Bears quarterback Justin Fields in a preseason game last week, a source said.
Smith raced past the Bears’ offensive line from Fields’ right side at the start of the fourth quarter and leveled him at full speed with a high hit. He popped the ball loose and sent Fields’ helmet bouncing at least 15 yards.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Fields needed to recognize that the Bills outnumbered his blockers and shift the protection, and Fields called it “a learning lesson.”
The Bears play their final preseason game Saturday at the Titans, and Fields will make his first start.