Meriweather’s suspension reduced to one-game

On Monday, safety Brandon Meriweather was awarded a two-game suspension from the NFL for his “dangerous” hits in Sunday’s affair with the Chicago Bears.  First, Meriweather was penalized on a hit late in the third quarter on Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey.  Then, just a quarter later, Meriweather launched himself into wide receiver Brandon Marshall breaking up a red zone completion.

Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins strong safety Brandon Meriweather (31) knocks the ball from Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) in the end zone in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Merriweather was called for a penalty on the play. The Redskins won 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The suspension raised eyebrows around the league for Meriweather has only played select games so far this season.  Meriweather is known around the league for his head numbing hits, but even the referees were in disagreement about the penalties laid down Sunday.  Many Redskins players were shocked by the news of the suspension and the organization decided it was going to appeal the two-game suspension.

Meriweather, subsequently, won this suspension, Wednesday, and his previous ban was reduced to just one game.  The former University of Miami Hurricane will not be awarded his paycheck for the game Sunday.  The lose of Meriweather is just one of the challenges the Redskins face as they enter Sunday’s contest with the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos hold the premier offense in the NFL, and the Washingotn secondary has struggled to stop most competitors this season.