Dre Greenlaw fined $10,609 for late hit on Ezekiel Elliott

The NFL is doing its best to curb hits that are unnecessary or come after the whistle, and 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is finding that out the hard way.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dre Greenlaw was fined $10,609 by the NFL for a late hit on Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.

During the 2022 season with the 49ers, Greenlaw managed to record 127 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and six passes defended.

The Cowboys were bounced from the NFL playoffs in the NFC divisional playoffs, losing to the 49ers 19-12.

Despite getting fined, Dre Greenlaw and his San Francisco team will get to play for the right to go to the Super Bowl on Sunday afternoon, when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

That game will begin at 3 p.m. on FOX.

Mike McCarthy vouches for Dak Prescott

In his first offseason press conference with the media, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t quite ready to provide his full assessment of quarterback Dak Prescott‘s season. McCarthy says he knows Prescott did “great things” statistically, but they’re still analyzing whether his growth was at the team’s desired level.

“I think the assessment is something we need to continue to look at through the evaluation process. We need to look at, ‘Did we grow as much as we want to?’” McCarthy said. “I’m sure those outlooks will be positive in nature. To summarize, we came up short. So we’re all part of that and it starts with me. But statistically, I thought he did some great things.”

The starting quarterback’s massive contract could hamper Dallas’ ability to add more talent around him if they don’t either restructure his deal or give him an extension. The Cowboys owe him $31 million in 2023, fully guaranteed, and he will count $49.1 million against the salary cap. A restructuring could free up $22 million for next season.

Asked what the Cowboys can do to continue to help Prescott get over the “playoff hump,” McCarthy again leaned on the team’s offseason evaluation process.

“I think the one thing that doesn’t get talked about much when you talk about advancing your football team, there are offseason grades and about who you bring in,” McCarthy said. “There will be self-improvement within our roster and I love our three draft classes. That all plays into that jump I know we’ll make internally.”