NFL Rescinded Fine Against Dolphins' Chris Johnson
The league returned $17,911 to the Miami cornerback after he successfully appealed a hip-drop tackle penalty.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
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Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson received a refund of his $17,911 fine after the NFL overturned his recent disciplinary action. League officials also removed a strike from his record, which was initially issued following a hip-drop tackle during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Why it matters
Under the new disciplinary rules introduced for the 2026 season, players face suspension if they accumulate three strikes for specific safety infractions like hip-drop tackles. Clearing this strike protects Johnson from potential suspension as he remains a key part of the Dolphins' defensive rotation.
The NFL refunded the $17,911 fine and removed one strike from the disciplinary record of Chris Johnson. Players currently face suspension after three violations under the 2026 league rule.
The players
Chris Johnson
Miami Dolphins cornerback who successfully appealed a league-issued fine and disciplinary strike.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami-based NFL franchise where Chris Johnson plays.
The details
Johnson successfully appealed the initial penalty, which the league had cited as a hip-drop tackle violation. He currently splits his defensive duties between the slot and outside cornerback positions. This reversal follows a standout performance for the Miami defender, who recorded an 86.9 grade from Pro Football Focus during the team's Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Timeline
2026: The NFL introduced new disciplinary rules for player safety.
Week 5 of the 2026 season: Chris Johnson earned an 86.9 PFF grade against Cincinnati.
Beyond the 305
The league's decision reflects the ongoing enforcement of the NFL's 2026 three-strike suspension policy. This specific appeal process marks a rare departure from the initial strict application of safety rules targeting hip-drop tackles.
Fans can expect Chris Johnson to remain available for the secondary rotation without the threat of a looming suspension strike. Keeping his record clean ensures the cornerback remains eligible as the Dolphins move deeper into the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The removal of the strike serves as a vital correction for the Dolphins' defensive depth. Keep an eye on the official league injury and disciplinary reports to track any changes to player availability in the coming weeks.
Further reading
Find more updates on the team at Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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