TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida.

Report: NFL says 4th-quarter hit on Mayfield should have been flagged

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL says that the controversial hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield from Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead should have been penalized, a league source told ESPN's Pat McManamon.

The hit occurred during the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' overtime victory in Week 7. Mayfield slid at the end of a 35-yard run, and Whitehead's helmet hit the quarterback's head shortly after his knee hit the ground.

I love the explanation by Shawn Hochuli here:

» The Quarterback was still a runner and therefore is allowed to be hit in the head [...] «

The ruling on the Jordan Whitehead Tackle / Hit vs Baker Mayfield in the 4th quarter.pic.twitter.com/38pbsJTyiG
— René Bugner (Rainbowcave) (@RNBWCV) October 22, 2018

Whitehead could have been flagged for one of two infractions: Unnecessary roughness for hitting a sliding player on the head, or unsportsmanlike conduct for using his helmet to do so, the league source added.