NFL rumors: Eric Reid’s late hit on Patriots’ Ben Watson being evaluated for fine

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid could face further punishment for his dangerous late hit to the head of New England Patriots tight end Ben Watson in the first quarter of Thursday night's preseason game.

Reid hit Watson after the Patriots veteran had already been tackled following a reception from quarterback Tom Brady. The Panthers defensive back was penalized for unnecessary roughness but escaped ejection.

Ben Watson leaves the field under his own power but did have his helmet taken from him. The late hit provided by Eric Reid. The two men not seeing eye to eye on Twitter this week fwiw. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/VKJK6X2U9e
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 23, 2019

NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported Friday morning that Reid's hit is being evaluated by the NFL and could result in a fine.

My understanding is this hit will be evaluated for a potential fine, not a suspension. Reid was fined several times last season, and said he was adding to those to his collusion grievance, which has since been settled. https://t.co/CMdbT8CeWq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 23, 2019

Reid said after the game that he anticipates receiving a fine from the NFL, but also noted he wasn't intentionally trying to hurt Watson. Watson reportedly is in the concussion protocol. He did not return to the game after heading to the locker room after the hit.

Given Reid's history of fines and egregious hits, it wouldn't be surprising if the league took further action.