### Ravens Linebacker Roquan Smith Fined for Injurious Tackle on Chris Godwin

Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has been hit with a $16,833 fine for a contentious hip-drop tackle that led to a devastating injury to Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, as reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. The incident happened during the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to the Ravens on October 21 in Week 7. This severe injury to Godwin's ankle, which will necessitate surgery, might keep him off the field for the remainder of the season.

The loss of Godwin is a significant setback for the Buccaneers, as he has been one of the league's top performers with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. The injury is particularly painful as it occurred during a tackle type the NFL is actively working to eliminate from the game. According to the NFL, a hip-drop tackle happens when a defender wraps up a ball carrier, swivels his hips, unweights himself, and falls onto the ball carrier's legs.

The injury unfolded with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, with Tampa Bay trailing by 10 points. Godwin caught a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield near midfield when Smith, approaching from the left side, wrapped him up. Smith's body weight swung forward, landing on Godwin's left leg and causing the severe ankle injury. Despite the injury's severity, no penalty was called on the play. Godwin's visible distress prompted Tampa Bay's medical team to rush onto the field, eventually leading to a cart being brought out to assist him.

The incident was so gruesome that ESPN chose not to replay the tackle. Commentator Joe Buck questioned Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles' decision to keep his starters on the field so late in the game given the 10-point deficit and lack of timeouts. "I know it's a 10-point game, and I know you don't give up on games, but at some point, you want to get out of here and live to fight another day," Buck said.

Coach Bowles stood by his choice, arguing that the team was still competing to win. "He's a player. We're trying to win the ball game," Bowles explained. "We were still down 10. We're trying to get extra points and kick another onside kick. [The injury] just happened."

Adding to the Buccaneers' woes, wide receiver Mike Evans also left the game with a right hamstring injury, which will sideline him at least through the team's Week 11 bye. With both Godwin and Evans out, the Buccaneers are facing a significant crisis in their receiver lineup.