NFL fines Titans rookie Kevin Winston Jr. for hip-drop tackle vs. Ricky Pearsall

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall avoided a serious ankle injury on the 49ers’ first play of their game last week against the Tennessee Titans.And Titans rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. avoided a 15-yard penalty for an obvious hip-drop tackle against Pearsall.But Winston did not avoid punishment from the NFL, as the league fined him $23,186 for using a technique that was banned before the 2024 season. The NFL fined Titans DB Kevin Winston Jr. $23,186 for a hip-drop tackle on 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall in last week’s game. Pearsall avoided a serious ankle injury on the play. He aggravated a knee condition later. This is the second time Winston has been fined for a hip-drop tackle. — Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) December 20, 2025 Pearsall left the game for the remainder of the first series of the game due to the ankle injury sustained when Winston made the illegal tackle.Pearsall returned to action and ended up catching six passes for 96 yards in the 49ers’ 37-24 victory. He later aggravated a right knee injury. Pearsall’s status for the 49ers’ game Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts is uncertain.It is the...