Seeking Rule Clarification (NFL)

[FormerUmp]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you are really looking for an answer, why are you coming here? Seriously, unless I am missing something, there are no NFL active officials on this site.

I think this was a tough play that usually you do not see in that manner. So understanding the rule is not going to change anything during a slow-motion replay. I had to see it a few times to even agree that it was a fumble and that location was from the other side of the sideline official.

Peace

So should he have still been free to get up and run because he doesn't appear to have been touched after he actually gained possession? Or does all the contact as part of the initial tackle still leave him down by contact?