National Football League

Eagles' Trent Cole fined $20,000

Published Dec. 10, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Philadelphia defensive end Trent Cole has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for hitting Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in the knee area.

The hit came in the Eagles' 34-24 victory over Houston on Dec. 2. Cole also was fined three times in 2009 for unnecessary roughness.

Cardinals DT Alan Branch has been docked $10,000 for roughing the passer for his hit on Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford. He struck the quarterback in the head and neck area. It is his second infraction, the other coming on Aug. 22, 2009 in a preseason game.

Lions DE Cliff Avril has been fined $15,000 for roughing the passer. He struck Chicago's Jay Cutler in the face area.

Two Bills were fined: RB Quinton Ganther $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for hitting Vikings punter Chris Kluwe at the end of a return, and guard Andy Levitre $7,500 for striking an opponent late.