NFL Fines Chuks Okorafor for Late Hit in Bengals Loss

Steelers OL Chukwuma Okorafor
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 17: Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (76) pass blocks during the NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)

The NFL has fined Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Chuks Okorafor $10,500 for his late hit out of bounds on Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander in Monday night’s loss.

Okorafor delivered the illegal hit after Alexander had intercepted Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second quarter. The late hit drew a 15-yard penalty, with the ensuing drive resulting in a Bengals touchdown.

Alexander was fined $10,000 himself for an unrelated unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting later in the game.

One player who was not fined was Bengals safety Vonn Bell, who many believe warranted discipline for his hard hit on Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster that caused a fumble Monday night.

Selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Okorafor has spent his entire three-year career with Pittsburgh.

He has started every game for the Steelers at right tackle since Week 2 after starter Zach Banner suffered a torn ACL in the season opener against the New York Giants.

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