The Houston Texans safety whose illegal hit prematurely ended the season for Miami Dolphins receiver Grant DuBose was fined $5,916 by the NFL, the league revealed Saturday.
Calen Bullock delivered a crunching hit on DuBose early in the third quarter of last weekend’s 20-12 Texans victory. DuBose had been coming across the middle trying to catch a short pass from Tua Tagovailoa that fell incomplete.
Bullock was fined another $5,916 for a first-quarter roughness incident in the game — one of eight fines that came out of that game.
The $5,916 fines actually were nearly the lowest of any from the game.
Dolphins receiver River Cracraft was docked $6,250 for a roughness violation nine plays after the Bullock-DuBose play. Offensive lineman Jackson Carman was fined $5,861 for roughness.
DuBose and the Texans were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness on the play. The possession resulted in a 7-yard touchdown reception by tight end Jonnu Smith.
A 12 1/2-minute delay ensued while trainers and doctors from both teams tended to DuBose. He eventually was immobilized, carted off and hospitalized with a head injury. He remained in a Houston hospital an extra day while teammates flew home to South Florida.
DuBose was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Bullock is a 21-year-old rookie drafted in the third round out of USC. He is due to make $1 million this season.
“My intentions was never to go out and hurt nobody, that’s never any of our intentions,” Bullock told KPRC, the Houston NBC affiliate. “So, prayers out to him and his family. I hope he’s good. I was just seeing the ball and I was breaking on the ball and it just happened to be one of those type of plays.”
In addition to Bullock, other Texans fined because of the Miami game were Denico Autry ($11,817 for roughness), Mario Edwards ($22,511 for roughing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Eric Murray ($9,788 for roughness) and Tommy Townsend ($11,805 for unsportsmanlike conduct).
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of DuBose, “My update is that I’ve talked to him in person and he’s in good spirits. Beyond that, I’m just totally focused on him being able to attack the day-to-day process and be healthy for himself and his family and everybody involved. I think really that’s where it stands; I don’t foresee seeing him playing football this season but I see him as part of the program so I’m just invested in him on the daily.”
Dolphins make roster moves, activating Cameron Goode
The Dolphins activated linebacker Cameron Goode off the physically unable to perform list. He and linebacker Bradley Chubb have been practicing with the team in the hopes of seeing action this season after overcoming knee injuries.
The Dolphins also elevated receiver Erik Ezukanma. Jaylen Waddle and Dee Eskridge are doubtful.
