The NFL fined New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepard $11,817 on Saturday for unnecessary roughness during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chargers players accused Shepard of intentionally trying to injure quarterback Justin Herbert during a play in Los Angeles’ 26-8 win last Sunday.
Shepard and Chargers center Bradley Bozeman were given warnings for unnecessary rough conduct after Shepard appeared to twist Herbert’s right ankle after knocking him to the ground. Boseman jumped on top of Shepard and shoved him away from Herbert.
Bozeman was not fined for the play.
On Monday, Saints coach Dennis Allen defended Sheppard against the Chargers’ accusations.
“Here’s a guy trying to get the quarterback involved. He’s on the ground and he doesn’t even know if the quarterback has the ball. He’s just trying to get the quarterback to the ground.” Allen said. “There was nothing malicious about that play. It’s a guy trying to make a play. After I saw the comments, I went back and watched that play again, and I don’t agree with that.”
Boseman told reporters Sunday he was trying to protect Herbert, who sprained his right ankle in Week 2 of the season. He was given the game ball by Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.
“He’s going to give his all for this team, and I appreciate what he’s done,” Herbert said after the game. “I tried to pull him away to avoid getting a penalty, but there’s no better feeling when you have a player like that protecting you.”
Shepherd and the Saints (2-6) will look to end their losing streak at six when they face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Running back Jamaal Williams was downgraded from questionable to out and is not with the team, and wide receiver Bab Means and running back Kendre Miller were placed on injured reserve Saturday. This will be Miller’s second IR assignment this season.
