Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown fined $9,528 for unflagged hit that concussed Bam Knight

The NFL has fined Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown $9,528 for the hit that knocked Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight out of last Sunday's game. Officials did not throw a flag on the play. The league ruled afterward that Overshown used his helmet. Tom Pelissero reported the amount, as noted by SB Nation's Blogging The Boys.

The hit came in the second quarter of a game the Cowboys lost 33-30 in overtime at AT&T Stadium. Arizona Sports reported that Overshown led with his shoulder but made contact with Knight's head. The hit forced a fumble, and Dallas recovered it. Knight stayed down for several minutes before he was helped off. He was later diagnosed with a concussion, did not practice this week and has been ruled out of Arizona's game against Seattle.

People disagreed about the hit while it was happening. During the Fox broadcast, analyst Greg Olsen called it questionable, but the network's rules official said it was legal under the rules of the game. The fine sides with Olsen, at least as far as the league office is concerned. Blogging The Boys called the decision hard to square with the live ruling.

On the field, the fine changes nothing. Overshown faces no suspension, and Dallas keeps one of its fastest defenders for Sunday. It may make him a little more careful about how he finishes tackles, though. That matters for a defense that has given up 33 and 34 points in its last two home losses.

The forced fumble didn't change the result either. After Knight left, and with rookie Jeremiyah Love already out with an ankle injury, Arizona gave the ball to Tyler Allgeier. He ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns, according to Arizona Sports.

What it means for Indianapolis

Dallas is 3-5 and has lost three of its last four. The win over Philadelphia, 38-21, is the only break in that stretch. The Cowboys have been more dangerous away from home: they are 2-2 on the road, with a 34-30 win at Houston and the win in Philadelphia, but 1-3 at home. Most games have been close. Three of the five losses came by eight points or fewer, and the Baltimore and Arizona games were each decided by three.

The Cowboys play at the Colts on Sunday, November 8, on Fox. Even with their record, Dallas is favored. On the game's board, which tracks 12 venues, Novig lists the Cowboys at -208 on the moneyline and Indianapolis at +203. On the spread, Novig has Dallas at -4.5 for -102. The best Cowboys spread price anywhere is theScore Bet's -4 at -110, a half-point apart. The sportsbooks' hold on that market runs from 3.6% to 5.2%. The total is 51.5 at Novig, with the over at +102. The best under price is at BetRivers, 52.5 at -117. Given Dallas's recent scores, a total that high makes sense.

The San Francisco 49ers come to Arlington the following week. Early prices make them favored at -208 on Novig, and the best price on Dallas is FanDuel's +176. Before then, the Cowboys need a road win to get back to .500 in their last five games. More on the season is on the Cowboys team page.