New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara avoided a concussion last week against the Dallas Cowboys, but linebacker Jaylon Smith will have trouble evading a letter from the NFL for the hit. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported Friday that Smith is on the books for a $26,739 fine after making helmet-to-helmet contact with Kamara during their game, sidelining the running back where he was evaluated twice for a concussion.

Kamara returned to the game, and Smith did not receive a penalty flag from referee Walt Anderson’s officiating crew. Smith brushed away any thoughts of wrongdoing during his post-practice media availability on Thursday:

“As I was going to tackle him he turned his body at the last second and I hit him. I hit him. I put my arms out to hit him and there was some contact. But, like I said, it’s the game that we love and definitely no intentions to play the game the wrong way. I’ve been taught well.”

Smith plans to appeal the fine, per Archer’s report, which will take weeks to resolve. Regardless of how that turns out, the only solace Saints fans can feel is that Kamara did not suffer any serious injuries from the collision.