The NFL released a press release on Monday stating that Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will be suspended for the final two games of the regular season following his late hit that concussed Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
The play in question occurred on an interception return by Panthers safety Colin Jones during the third quarter of the team's 31-24 victory over the Packers. After Jones picked off Aaron Rodgers, Davis threw an illegal blindside block to the head and neck area of Adams.
In a tweet from Adam Schefter of ESPN, Davis plans to immediately appeal the suspension.
NFL Vice President of football operations Jon Runyan issued a statement to Davis regarding the play.
“During an interception return, you took a path toward your opponent who was pursuing the play and delivered a violent and unnecessary blindside block to his head and neck area. You have been previously fined for violations of safety-related rules. Your actions yesterday warrant an escalation of discipline, not only because they were flagrant, but also because of your status as a repeat offender,” Runyan said.
Adams, who suffered another scary hit to the head earlier this season from Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan, has now suffered three concussions in the last two seasons.