Tony Gonzalez has said that he would prefer defensive players to tackle him high than aim for his knees.

The NFL's rules over hits to the head have come under scrutiny following DJ Swearinger's low tackle on Dustin Keller at the weekend, which left the Miami Dolphins tight end with three torn ligaments and dislocated knee.

When asked about the incident, the Atlanta Falcons tight end told USA Today: "It should be a fineable offense. That's just not part of football, hitting a defenseless player in his knee, that's something we all dread as players. That's my nightmare. Hit me in my head [instead].

"I'd rather have a guy hit me head than knife at my knee. You're talking about a career-ending injury. It's going to be so hard for Dustin to come back off of that. It should be a fineable offense, just like going for the head is."

Swearinger defended his actions, claiming that he had to go in low to avoid receiving a fine from the league.