Pittsburgh (KDKA/AP) – Steelers linebacker James Harrison received a late Christmas present from the NFL on Thursday.

The league is reducing the fine levied on Harrison for his Oct. 17 hit on Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from $75,000 to $50,000.

Harrison appealed the fine to the league’s office.

Ted Cottrell, the league’s appeal officer, reduced the fine because he said Harrison understands the player safety rules and has made an effort to adjust his technique to play within those rules.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supported the reduction.

Harrison has been fined four times this season for a total of $100,000.

Harrison also plans to appeal a $25,000 fine he was assessed for a hit on Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Harrison and the Steelers will meet with Massaquoi and the Browns on Sunday for the final game of the regular season. If the Steelers win, they secure the No. 2-seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.

If they lose and the Ravens win, the Steelers will like get the sixth seed and have to go on the road in the first round of the playoffs.