SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday.

Brooks’ agent, Greg Williams, said his client would appeal the penalty, the standard fine for such hits to the head and neck area.

Brooks leveled Brees, forcing a lost fumble. But the personal foul penalty kept the ball in the Saints’ possession, and they soon kicked two late field goals to win, 23-20. The tackle left Brees with blood on his chin.

Brooks vehemently argued against the penalty, saying he didn’t use his hands or helmet and called it a “bear hug.” Brees labeled the hit a clothesline tackle. 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh also reiterated Monday he thought the hit was clean.

Offensive lineman Mike Iupati sustained a sprained ligament in his left knee Sunday at New Orleans but it isn’t considered to be season-ending.

JETS: Safety Ed Reed insists Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is doing a poor job, and said he was released by the team earlier this month for speaking up about it.

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LIONS: The team added tight end Dorin Dickerson to the active roster and running back Steven Miller to the practice squad.

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he isn’t ready to talk about getting a new long-term deal.

RAIDERS: Matt McGloin will start at quarterback for the second straight week after throwing three touchdown passes in his debut performance.

Oakland placed its first-round pick, D.J. Hayden, on season-ending injured reserve after he underwent sports hernia surgery on his injured groin.

COLTS: The team signed running back Chris Rainey to the active roster.

VIKINGS: Christian Ponder will be the quarterback starter Sunday at Green Bay.

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REDSKINS: Left tackle Trent Williams said he hasn’t heard from the NFL about his allegedly profane encounter with an official and he thinks the league will “probably sweep it under the rug.”

Receiver Leonard Hankerson is done for the season with a left knee injury.

BEARS: Quarterback Jay Cutler is out of a hard cast and wearing a small brace on his injured left ankle.

DAN DIERDORF is retiring from broadcasting after 43 years involved with the NFL.


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