T.J. Ward Fined $23,063 for Hit on T.Y. Hilton, Untucked Jersey

Denver Broncos defensive back T.J. Ward was fined $17,363 on Wednesday for his hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton during Sunday's Week 9 game, according to 9News.com's Mike Klis.

The incident occurred during the first quarter when quarterback Andrew Luck completed a long pass to Hilton, who was almost immediately met by the incoming Ward. The Denver defensive back lowered his head and shoulder and hit Hilton around the stomach area.

Both players stayed down momentarily as Hilton was deemed a defenseless receiver, while Ward was flagged for a 15-yard penalty.

Ward told Klis that he expected the fine but will formally appeal it. His head coach, Gary Kubiak, was a bit more surprised by the financial hit, though: "I thought T.J. did what you teach. You get your head out of the play, you come in there with your shoulder and you come in at the chest level. We felt like he did what he was asked to do, so we'll see the reaction."

The NFL wasn't done with Ward, though. Klis also reported the league fined Ward $5,700 for having his jersey untucked during the game.

"I've had it that way all season and all the sudden they decided to fine me," Ward told Klis. He will appeal that fine as well.

It doesn't appear Ward's hit on Hilton was dirty. It looked like it was his shoulder that made the most contact with the Colts receiver on an open-field collision. Though he wasn't looking in Ward's direction, it's hard to label Hilton as a defenseless receiver in that instance when he has possession and is turning upfield.

The Indianapolis Star's Matt Kryger captured the moment of impact, per his colleague Matt Glenesk:

At that speed, Ward could not have done much to pull up and tackle him lightly—especially when there is an opportunity to gain momentum with a big hit that could have jarred the ball loose. Considering those factors, the NFL may overturn this upon appeal once they look at this again.