Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte was fined $21,000 for his hit on Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell in the Bears 23-22 Week 8 victory. Conte was fined for making contact with the head of a defenseless receiver when he hit LaFell in the third quarter. Conte already said on Oct. 28 that he will appeal the fine.

LaFell was able to return to the game soon after the hit but did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Conte received a personal foul on the play.

The Bears selected Conte in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of California. His rookie season, he made the All-Rookie Team. This season, Conte has started all seven of the Bears' games. He has 40 tackles, three pass deflections and one interception on the season.

Chicago travels to Tennessee to take on the Titans at noon CT on Sunday, Nov. 4.