Richard Sherman says he’s been fined for running into Bills kicker Dan Carpenter

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman confirmed Thursday he’s been fined by the NFL for his hit on Buffalo kicker Dan Carpenter in last Monday’s game against the Bills.

Sherman said that the explanation from the league makes it nearly impossible for him to appeal the $9,115 fine. Sherman said the league’s justification in its letter to him was that his hit on Carpenter as he attempted to block a field-goal attempt at the end of the first half came after the whistle was blown.

Sherman said he won’t appeal the fine. “It would be a long, thoughtless process,” Sherman said. “Their logic is impeccable so there’s not really a fight. I’m still fine with everything.”

Sherman was not penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play. He was flagged for being offside, but referee Walt Anderson’s explanation after the game said he didn’t believe the contact was excessive enough to warrant an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Dean Blandino, the NFL’s head of officiating, later said that interpretation was incorrect and that Sherman should have received a personal foul on the play, an interpretation that Seattle Coach Pete Carroll agreed with.

Sherman’s argument was that while he was clearly offside, he was playing until the whistle, which he said he never heard.

“People don’t understand free play rules. The only reason people understand them to any degree because there are so many of them nowadays with (Aaron Rodgers) and guys like that and they don’t realize the plays aren’t called dead until the refs call it dead,” Sherman said. “And usually when the quarterback sees the rusher coming they spike the ball, the play is over. That’s usually how it goes. If nobody is coming, they get a free play, they take a shot at the end zone. We’ve won games like that, we’ve thrown touchdown passes. But when the other team keeps playing, you keep playing.”

Vacarro targeted

Safety Kenny Vacarro of the New Orleans Saints is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs — specifically for using Adderall, NFL.com reported.

Planning to appeal the fine, Vacarro remains eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Saints have given up a league-worst 300 yards passing per game. Vacarro ranks 19th in the league among players at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.

Etc.

The NFL’s investigation into whether Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott violated its personal conduct policy has included seeking information about a February incident in Florida. USA Today reported that the NFL emailed police in Aventura, Fla., on Sept. 28 to request information about an alleged assault by Elliott. ... Backup running back DeAngelo Williams of the Pittsburgh Steelers underwent knee surgery and could be sidelined four to six weeks. Williams, 33, has been dealing with knee inflammation the last couple of weeks and sat out a game against the New England Patriots last month. After a bye week, Williams returned to play against the Baltimore Ravens last week, carrying one time for one yard. He has carried only nine times in four games since Le’Veon Bell returned after serving a three-game suspension to start the season. ...

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, sidelined since Week 1 because of a calf injury, has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to play Sunday at San Diego. Receivers Jarvis Landry (shoulder) and Kenny Stills (calf) missed practice and their status on the injury report is listed as day to day. … Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns returned to practice in a limited capacity, taking a step in the NFL’s return to play concussion protocol. If Hurns continues to make progress, he could be cleared to fully practice later in the week and play Sunday against AFC South rival Houston. …

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston, who has been recovering from off-season knee surgery, says he hopes to make his season debut Sunday at Carolina, though the decision to put the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher on the field ultimately rests with Coach Andy Reid. … Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (rotator cuff) missed a second consecutive day of practice because of a left shoulder injury, and his status for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings is uncertain.