The NFL recognizes that Tampa Bay safety Jordan Whitehead should have been penalized for a hit on Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday, a source familiar with the league's thinking said Tuesday.
Whitehead could have been flagged for one of two infractions: unnecessary roughness for a hit to the head of a sliding player, or unsportsmanlike conduct for using his helmet to hit a player, the source said.
The NFL is not commenting on the hit. Fines are typically announced on Fridays. If the league fines Whitehead it will be public affirmation that the play should have been penalized.