Atlanta Falcons' defensive end Charles Harris was ejected from Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers, thanks to a helmet-to-helmet hit on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting.

One of two fouls called on the Falcons' defense on the play–with the other being a personal foul on Dante Fowler as a result of an illegal kick to the running QB–the ejection was the first disqualification in Harris' career. A former first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, the fourth-year veteran joined the Falcons in the offseason following a trade in which Atlanta sent a future seventh-round pick to the Dolphins for the rights to Harris. Attempting to shore up their defensive line, Harris has recorded two sacks on the season thus far.

In delivering the hit, Harris knocked Bridgewater out of the game, with the quarterback immediately being taken to the medical tent to be evaluated for a possible concussion. His first season as a starter following a horrific leg-injury more than four years ago, the former Louisville product has performed well with the Panthers, throwing  for eight touchdowns, and getting Carolina within a game of .500 entering Thursday night's matchup. Forced to substitute  backup QB PJ Walker into the game with Bridgewater's absence, Carolina was unable to complete their drive to retake the lead, and were forced to settle for a field goal.

Per the NFL's agreement with the players' association, it is likely that Harris will be subject to a fine as a result of the infraction. The Falcons currently lead, 25-17 in the fourth quarter.

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