The NFL quieted anyone questioning a big play by the Colts during their Week 9 loss to the Vikings

The Indianapolis Colts' awful offensive outing led to a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Their only touchdown on the day, in fact, came from an incredible play by defensive tackle Grover Stewart's strip-sack, which the Colts returned to the house. But many around the league complained that Stewart made contact with Darnold's helmet and […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) returns a fumble for a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) pursues as linebacker E.J. Speed (45) looks on during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts' awful offensive outing led to a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. 

Their only touchdown on the day, in fact, came from an incredible play by defensive tackle Grover Stewart's strip-sack, which the Colts returned to the house. But many around the league complained that Stewart made contact with Darnold's helmet and should have been flagged on the play. 

The NFL doesn't seem to agree, though. 


Colts DT Grover Stewart not fined for making contact to Vikings QB Sam Darnold's helmet on strip-sack in Week 9

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) walks the sideline Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Every Saturday, the NFL releases the full list of fines from the previous week's slate of games to each player. The NFL gave out 24 total fines from Week 9, none of which were given to a Colts player. The league doesn't typically mess around with any contact it views as "Unnecessary Roughness" to a quarterback, especially their helmet. The full play can be seen below. 

Stewart blew up his assignment off the snap and made an incredible play on the quarterback to force the turnover, and corner Kenny Moore returned it for a touchdown. The refs threw a flag after the play, but after discussing it on the field, they picked it up and announced there was no penalty. 

The play sparked a ton of discussion on social media. Many believed Stewart should have been flagged on the play. Personally, I felt that the contact to Darnold's helmet was minor at best and clearly incidental. The NFL's decision not to assess a fine seems to indicate that they agree with me.