ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — For the second time in as many weeks, Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson has been fined by the NFL.
The NFL fined Johnson $16,883 for unnecessary roughness, on what it deemed a hit on a defenseless player. The hit came during the second quarter of the Bills' 34-10 home victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7.
Early in the second quarter, on a third-and-3 play at the Buffalo 21, referees flagged Johnson for unnecessary roughness following an incomplete pass intended for running back Tony Pollard.
Three plays later, Mason Rudolph connected with wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on a 4-yard touchdown pass as the Titans went up 10-0. The eight-play, 75-yard drive consumed 4 minutes, 45 seconds off the clock.
The Bills scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive, then ramped it up in the second half to pull away for a win.
The NFL last week fined Johnson $11,817 for unnecessary roughness, citing a low block in the third quarter.
The NFL announces player fines each Saturday afternoon during the regular season. This week, there were 23 plays resulting in fines for on-field discipline during 2,383 total plays.
Bills fines from the NFL this season include:
- Week 1, O'Cyrus Torrence, unnecessary roughness (facemask), $7,855
- Week 4, Dawuane Smoot, unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing), $8,156
- Week 6, Dion Dawkins, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255
- Week 6, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (low block), $11,817
- Week 7, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player), $16,883