NFL hands out fines for hits

Tampa Bay safety Dashon Goldson has been fined $30,000 by the NFL for hitting New York Jets tight end Jeff Cumberland in the head and neck area in the season opener last Sunday.

The hit, which drew an unnecessary roughness penalty, resulted in Cumberland needing stitches to his chin. It was also one of a few plays in the Jets’ 18-17 win that drew fines.

Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David was docked $7,875 for unnecessary roughness when he shoved Jets quarterback Geno Smith to the ground out of bounds – leading to the winning field goal.

Jets safety Dawan Landry was fined $21,000 for unnecessary roughness after he hit wide receiver Mike Williams in the head and neck area after he caught a TD pass.

Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews was fined $15,000 for a late hit out of bounds on San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Colts’ Ballard ruled out

Colts starting running back Vick Ballard will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Coach Chuck Pagano said that Ballard was hurt in practice on Thursday.

Former New York Giants star Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to start Sunday against Miami, and the Colts are promoting rookie Kerwynn Williams, their seventh-round draft pick, from the practice squad to the active roster. Former first-round pick Donald Brown also could see more action.

Ballard was Indy’s top rusher in 2012. The rookie ran for 814 yards and two touchdowns.

Rookie backup CBs Jamar Taylor (groin) and Will Davis (toe), a Central Valley graduate, have been ruled out of Miami’s game at Indianapolis Sunday. … Broncos DB Champ Bailey will miss his second straight game because of a lingering left foot sprain that has sidelined him since Aug. 17.