Colts Defender Fined For Uncalled Penalty On Patriots Captain

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was on the opposite end of a couple of big shots in last Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

And now there’s been a fine attached to one of the hits on Henry.

The NFL announced Saturday that Colts linebacker E.J. Speed was fined $22,511 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) when tackling Henry late in the first quarter. Speed lowered his head on the play and and hit Henry squarely in the helmet. Speed, who finished the contest with nine tackles, wasn’t penalized on the play.

Henry had to take some time on the sideline to shake off the hard contact, but he still delivered one of his best performances of the season. The veteran pass-catcher totaled seven receptions for 75 yards.

The 30-year-old Henry, who re-signed with the Patriots this past offseason on a three-year deal worth up to $30 million, has been a bright spot in an otherwise dreary season for New England. Henry has only one touchdown reception — it would mark the lowest of any season of his career — but leads the Patriots in catches (58) and receiving yards (610).

Henry has time to get back to full health, too, as the Patriots enjoy their bye week this Sunday. They return to action next Sunday when they take travel to take on the Arizona Cardinals.