Vince Wilfork
Vince Wilfork The Associated Press is reporting that New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be fined but not suspended by the NFL after meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell about a hit on Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Pro Bowl tackle met with Goodell on Tuesday and the commissioner decided to fine Wilfork but forgo any suspension for the hit. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.

The NFL declined comment, but noted that fines and suspensions normally are announced on Fridays.

Wilfork was summoned before Goodell after tape of New England's 41-7 win Oct. 20 showed Wilfork elbowing Cutler in the helmet.

Wilfork was fined
a total of $35,000 last season for four different episodes.

They included hits on Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman and Dallas tight end Jason Witten. Wilfork also was fined for putting a finger inside the facemask of New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs and grabbing the facemask of San Diego's Michael Turner during the AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots drafted Wilfork with the 21st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. In his rookie season with the Patriots, he compiled two sacks and 27 tackles. Wilfork saw considerable playing time during his rookie season, and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles in February, 2005.

He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008.