Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has been fined $16,833 for a hip-drop tackle that resulted in a severe ankle injury to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin during a game on October 21. Godwin's injury, which occurred late in the fourth quarter, has been deemed season-ending and will require surgery, marking a significant loss for the Buccaneers as he was one of the league's top receivers this season. The NFL has recently implemented stricter rules against hip-drop tackles to enhance player safety, with Smith becoming the first player penalized under this new regulation. Despite the tackle appearing routine at first glance, it was ruled illegal, highlighting ongoing concerns about officiating and the enforcement of new safety rules. Smith, who expressed his respect for Godwin and sent him well wishes, declined to comment further on the fine. Godwin has since taken to social media to express his disappointment but remains determined to recover and return to the field.