The NFL has recognized that Tampa Bay safety Jordan Whitehead should have been penalized for a hit on Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday, according to ESPN.
The NFL is not commenting on the hit. Fines are typically announced on Fridays. If the league fines Whitehead it will be an affirmation that the play should have been penalized.
The hit occurred in the Browns 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers.
Mayfield slid at the end of a 35-yard run on second-and-26 in the fourth quarter. Shortly after Mayfield's knee hit the ground, Whitehead's helmet hit the side of Mayfield's head.
Whitehead lowered his head to make the hit and used the top of his helmet. Both are examples of what the league does not want and are included in the descriptions of hits that could lead to a player being ejected.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson said the call was disappointing.
