Redskins await word on possible Everett punishment

Although there were reports that the NFL is looking in to possibly punishing Redskins safety Deshazor Everett for his hit on Eagles punt returner Darren Sproles, the team has heard nothing from the league.

“I have not heard anything from the league,” said Jay Gruden during his Monday press conference. “I imagine he’ll get fined, but I don’t know. I can’t even guess what’s going to happen. But it was not intentional by any stretch and hopefully not a suspension.”

Such a play does not have to be intentional to draw a fine. Everett could end up getting hit hard in the wallet, perhaps as much as $24,000. Playing for the second-year player minimum of about $30,900 per week the hit could cost him most of his paycheck.

It would be unusual for a player without a history of player safety related violations to get suspended. Before Sunday, Everett had just one penalty on his record, an unsportsmanlike conduct call in 2015. He did have a second penalty during the Eagles game, a 15-yarder for an illegal blindside block.

Sproles was motionless on the field for several minutes after Everett hit him while he was trying to return a punt. Although there was not a fair catch signal, a returner still needs to be given an opportunity to field the punt. Even minimal contact would have warranted a flag and this was much more than that.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said on Monday that Sproles has been placed in the NFL concussion protocol. That could play into a punishment decision regarding Everett.

The league will let the Redskins know if Everett is going to be suspended sometime in the next 24 hours or so. If he does get put on the shelf, the Redskins may have to scramble for help at safety. Starting free safety Will Blackmon missed the Eagles game with a concussion and his status for the upcoming Monday night game against the Panthers is unclear. If he can’t go and if Everett is out the Redskins would have just two safeties, Duke Ihenacho and Donte Whitner, on the roster. They would have to find a safety to add to the roster for as long as Everett and/or Blackmon are out.