Rahim Moore’s ferocious hit on a Buffalo wide receiver in a preseason game last weekend will cost the Broncos’ rookie $20,000.

Moore received a 15-yard personal foul penalty for the hit, which knocked Buffalo’s Donald Jones from the game and flared tempers between the Bills’ offense and Broncos’ defense. Moore also did not return to the game, although it was because of a coaching decision.

Moore, a second-round pick from UCLA, signed his rookie contract in late July; a deal that included a $1.7 million bonus. His fine is hefty, but on par with other fines levied already this preseason.

“Those plays are going to happen from time to time,” veteran safety Brian Dawkins said. “He already knows, but I told him that I got hit with a $50,000 dollar fine from that same type of a hit running full speed. It’s one thing to be playing in slow motion and have hit somebody, and it’s another thing to be full speed and hit somebody. It’s a moving target. You’ve got to play your game and make decisions as you go.”

Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com