Broncos wide receiver Juwann Winfree was fined $28,075 for a tackle on punt coverage against the Rams in Week 3 of NFL preseason, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis reported Sunday.
The tackle appeared to be a clean hit in real-time and it likely helped Winfree make Denver’s 53-man roster as it demonstrated his willingness to contribute on special teams.
“It will help,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said of Winfree’s tackle after the game. “Help his cause a lot, help us. If you’re going to dress five receivers on game day, one or two of them are going to have to make a contribution in the kicking game. Hopefully, that will become the norm for him and not just the flash play.”
Winfree is expected to appeal the fine.
Cornerback Chris Harris came to the defense of his teammate on Twitter and Winfree added on social media that it’s a “cold world.”
Winfree was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round of April’s draft out of Colorado. He is the fifth WR on the team’s depth chart.
