Darian Stewart Fined $9,115 for Hit on Andrew Luck: Latest Details, Reaction

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart was fined $9,115 by the NFL for a hit on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in Sunday's 34-20 win.

Troy E. Renck of Denver7 reported the news Wednesday, noting it's the second time in as many weeks that Stewart has been issued a fine for a hit. The league previously fined him $18,231 for hitting Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the head.

"They got me again," Stewart said, per Renck. "But I am going to appeal."

Unlike his hit on Newton, Stewart was not called for a 15-yard personal foul after striking Luck. The seventh-year safety finished the game with one tackle.

"We’re going to still just be us and keep being aggressive," Stewart said last week, per Michael Spencer of CBS Denver. "I don’t think we should change anything that we’ve been doing. That’s what made us world champs."

While the aggressive tactics have led to Denver being perhaps the fiercest defense in football, Stewart is putting himself in a precarious position. By racking up fines early in the season, he's become a repeat offender. The penalties for such hits are discretionary—the NFL could just continue to fine him, but he could be a couple of head-to-head hits away from facing a suspension.

Third-round pick Justin Simmons is waiting in the wings should Stewart miss time. The rookie, who recorded four tackles against the Colts, is likely Denver's long-term solution at the free safety spot.

If Stewart doesn't begin showing concern for the safety of other players, the future could come sooner than expected.