The NFL has suspended Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman for three games for violating the league’s rules on initiating contact with the helmet, the league announced on Tuesday.
Perryman’s suspension comes after recording a total of six helmet-to-helmet infractions in his career that include Sunday’s violation against Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the Texans’ 30–27 victory against Cincinnati. With 4:07 to play in the contest, Perryman was assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty for lowering his helmet and delivering a “forcible blow to the shoulder” to Chase’s head and neck area.
Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, said Perryman “obstructed” Chase’s path and that his “illegal contact could have been avoided.”
“When players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, and particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player, it is appropriate to impose substantially greater penalties,” Runyan wrote in a statement.
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The Texans (5–4) next three games include the Cardinals (2–8) on Sunday, Jaguars (6–3) and the Broncos (4–5). Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, Perryman can appeal the league’s decision with the NFL’s hearing officers Derrick Brooks or James Thrash.
If the NFL’s punishment stands, Perryman will be eligible to return to Houston’s active roster on Dec. 4 and the Texans Week 14 road matchup against the Jets. Perryman has recorded 41 tackles in first season with the Texans.
