Upon further review, John Lynch apparently wasn’t overly vicious Sunday.
The NFL did not fine Lynch for a hit on Kansas City receiver Eddie Kennison, a league spokesman said Thursday. The play was reviewed by the league, which determined a fine wasn’t warranted.
Lynch was penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit on an incomplete pass that would have made it third-and-7 from the Denver 9-yard line. The penalty gave the Chiefs a first down at the 4, and Larry Johnson scored on the next play as the Chiefs took a 31-27 lead with 9:58 to go. Neither team scored again.
Replays appeared to show Lynch led with his shoulder, not his helmet. On Monday, Denver coach Mike Shanahan showed reporters a freeze-framed angle of Lynch leading with his shoulder.
Lynch was fined $75,000 for a helmet hit last year against Indianapolis. Thursday, he was grateful the NFL didn’t levy a fine this time.
“I’m obviously pleased with the league’s assessment of the play and that theirs in a way matches mine,” Lynch said. “I think I’m due. It gives me some faith in the process that they’re actually looking at things and the specifics of each situation.”
Steve Alic, the NFL spokesman, indicated the decision not to fine Lynch didn’t necessarily mean there wasn’t any helmet contact, but that the penalty was enough punishment.
Lynch said he appreciated Shanahan’s gesture on a busy Monday showing the video to the media.
“I think that’s why people love playing for him,” Lynch said. “You respect a coach that will stick up for his players because a lot of people just stay quiet. The representation for us as players in these situations isn’t always the greatest. To have a coach stick up (for you) means a lot.”
“It doesn’t surprise me,” Shanahan said about Lynch not getting fined.
Bailey injury lingers
Denver cornerback Champ Bailey said this week he doesn’t think he’ll be completely healthy all season as he battles through a hamstring injury he aggravated in Week 3. However, it has healed enough for him to keep playing. Also notable is that Bailey is not on the injury report for the first time since Week 3.
“The best thing is I feel pretty good early in the week,” Bailey said. “This is the way it’s going to be all season. But it’s not getting any worse. That’s the good thing.”
Brewster backs Young
Count Broncos tight ends coach Tim Brewster among those rooting for Texas quarterback Vince Young to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night. Brewster recruited Young to the Longhorns out of Houston. Young is a finalist for the Heisman, along with USC’s Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Brewster coached at Texas from 1998-2001.
“It was a honor to see Vince develop into such a great player from Texas,” Brewster said. “I’m really hoping he wins the Heisman. Not only is he a great player, but a great person. We still talk regularly, and I hope the best for him.”
Injury report
Defensive end Courtney Brown (knee), linebacker Keith Burns (knee) and offensive lineman Cornell Green (shoulder) practiced Thursday. Barring a setback, all likely will be able to play Sunday against Baltimore.
Brown missed a portion of Wednesday’s practice, but his participation Thursday indicates he’ll likely be able to play Sunday. Burns and Green didn’t play last week at Kansas City.
Footnote
Cornerback Antwaun Rogers was signed to the practice squad, filling out the eight-player unit.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
