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Report: NFL Reviewing Fletcher Cox “Cheap Shot” on Joe Staley
Published:
Did Fletcher Cox catch Joe Staley with a cheap shot?
The San Francisco left tackle broke his orbital bone when he was hit by the Birds’ defensive tackle on an interception return in Sunday’s 33-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field.
The league is now apparently reviewing that block:
NFL reviewing the play on which Fletcher Cox broke Joe Staley’s orbital bone for potential discipline and possible suspension, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2017
The FOX broadcast did not capture the hit in question, which took place off-camera during Mills’ 38-yard touchdown return. Judging by context, Cox likely caught Staley with a crack-back block or got his hand inside the facemask while Mills was moving horizontally across the field.
When the play caught up to the pair, Staley was on the ground with Cox holding both of his hands in the air as if to say, “I’m innocent:”
This was immediate reaction of Fletcher Cox (No. 91) after the block that injured Joe Staley. TV did not show replay. pic.twitter.com/nhvnuM0GUH
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 29, 2017
Staley was shown on the sidelines afterward with a nasty gash below his right eye. He spent the night in a Philadelphia hospital while his teammates flew home to San Francisco.
Ouch Joe Staley pic.twitter.com/3YmK0mr77U
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) October 29, 2017
Staley was released from the hospital and took a flight back to the Bay Area early this morning:
49ers LT Joe Staley on flight with myself and other Niners reporters. Says he has orbital fracture but won’t need surgery.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 30, 2017
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com