NFL officials threw only one flag for the league's new use of helmet rule during the first 14 games of Week 1, another sign that the penalty will not impact the regular season as deeply as once feared.
The penalty was assessed against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker for lowering his head to initiate contact with an opponent. Sunday's ejection of Cincinnati Bengals safety Shawn Williams was for unnecessary roughness, not the helmet rule, according to the league.