The Patriots’ Matt Light will be fined but not suspended.

The Journal / Bob Breidenbach

FOXBORO –– The powers that be in the National Football League informed the New England Patriots yesterday that left tackle Matt Light would not be suspended for his on-field fight with Miami linebacker Channing Crowder during the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s victory.

Light and Crowder scuffled after a 30-yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal. Crowder lost his helmet at one point, and Light held Crowder’s dreadlocks while he hit him in the back of the head. Both players were ejected from the game, and Crowder hammed it up as he walked off the field, trying to get the crowd’s cheers as he headed for the locker room.

Each player was fined $15,000.

An All-Pro last year, Light didn’t want to say much about the incident yesterday.

“I think that matter is kind of a closed deal now. It was what it was. Obviously, I’m not happy with what my actions were and I don’t think that was the way to go. In my mind, it’s a closed deal now,” he said. “They’ve made a decision on it and we’re going to move forward and get ready to play a good Steelers team. I think that’s where everybody’s concentration should be right now, and that’s definitely where mine is at this point.”

Quarterback Matt Cassel, who perhaps benefits most from Light not being suspended, was not upset by the ruling.

“It will be great to have Light out there. I am happy they [the NFL] came out with that ruling, especially as a quarterback because you love your left tackle — and especially Matt Light. He is such a great player,” Cassel said.

Initially it was believed that Light would not receive word of his possible suspension this week, due in part to the holiday, but then it was confirmed by the league that he would not be suspended.

Good, bad practice news

The Patriots had some good news and bad news on the practice field yesterday, as running back LaMont Jordan returned for the first time since Nov. 5, when he suffered a setback in his return from a right calf injury. Jordan, initially hurt Oct. 5 in San Francisco, was limited yesterday.

On the bad news side, DT Richard Seymour missed the session with a knee injury. Seymour was limited last week with what was reported as a toe injury, but still started and recorded six tackles, including a quarterback sack, in Miami.

Also missing practice yesterday were LB Adalius Thomas (broken right forearm) and WR Kelley Washington (thigh). Jordan, LB Tedy Bruschi (knee), CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder), and DT Ty Warren (groin) were all limited, while C Dan Koppen (elbow), CB Mike Richardson (concussion) and DT Le Kevin Smith (shoulder) were reported to have practiced fully.

Warren missed the Jets game earlier this month because of the groin injury; Richardson sat out the game against the Dolphins because of his concussion.

For the Steelers, DE Brett Keisel (knee), RB Willie Parker (knee) and T Marvel Smith (back) did not practice.

Cassel is player of week

Yesterday, Cassel was named AFC offensive player of the week for the second time this season for his performance in Miami, where he completed 30 of 43 passes (69.8 percent) for 415 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. In the process, Cassel became the first quarterback in New England history and just the fifth ever to record back-to-back games with 400 yards or more passing.

Cassel beat out teammate Randy Moss and four others for the honor. He was also recognized after Week Seven, when he led the Pats to a 41-7 Monday night drubbing of Denver.

Baltimore safety Ed Reed and Oakland punt returner/receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins were the defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively, in the conference.

smanza@projo.com