Bengals safety Shawn Williams suspended after stepping on Dolphins player
Bengals safety Shawn Williams has been suspended one game by the NFL after stepping on Devante Parker of the Miami Dolphins.
After a report by NFL.Com earlier in the day that no suspensions would be handed out following the multiple scuffles in the Bengals and Dolphins game on Sunday, Cincinnati safety Shawn Williams will miss the game on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys without play. Williams stepped on Miami wide receiver Devante Parker.
Williams was one of two Bengals ejected on Sunday. Late in the first half wide receiver, Tyler Boyd was dismissed from the game against Miami following an unrelated altercation with all-pro cornerback Xavian Howard. Boyd had over a third of the Cincinnati offense on Sunday with a 72-yard first-half TD reception.
The ejection of Williams was precipitated by a pair of tackles on special teams against Dolphins punt returner Jakiem Grant by Bengals gunner Mike Thomas. Parker and Dolphins WR Mack Hollins were also ejected Sunday. The news regarding Williams’ suspension was reported on by ESPN on Monday night.
Williams has three days to appeal his suspension according to the NFL collective bargaining agreement per ESPN. Playing in 10 games this season backing up Vonn Bell, Williams has 11 tackles and one pass breakup. A pass defense that ranks 25th in the NFL loses depth in the secondary.
More damaging will be losing Williams on special teams. Williams played 81 percent of the snaps on special teams on Sunday. He has not played less than 67 percent of the special teams snaps this season since making his season debut in week three in the 23 all tie against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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The Bengals special teams rank 28th in the ESPN Football Power Index and now lose one of their best coverage players against Dallas. Dallas is 30th in the NFL in the FPI on special teams. Tony Pollard of Dallas ranks 12th in the NFL with an average of 21.9 yards per kickoff return. Cee Dee Lamb is ninth in the NFL in punt returns.