The NFL fined 49ers cornerback K’Waun Williams $20,054 for a Week 5 hit on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen that resulted in a roughing-the-passer penalty.
Williams was blitzing off the left side when he leaped into the air to attempt to bat down Rosen’s pass attempt on a third-and-7 play in the fourth quarter. The pass sailed out of bounds, and Williams hit Rosen as he landed.
It appeared Williams attempted to turn while in mid-air to avoid striking Rosen. Referee Shawn Smith called Williams for the penalty, which gave the Cardinals a first down.
This season, quarterback hits were among the NFL's "points of emphasis.