NFHS Rule Question on Fair Catch Protection

[refdawg]

Need an NFHS interpretation of a play situation:

B player gives a valid fair catch signal on a punt and muffs the ball. Right after he muffs the ball, he is hit by an A player. I have been told this is a legal play. Here is my confusion-- the rule states that a player who gives a valid fair catch signal is afforded protection until the kick ends or becomes dead by rule. Well, if a B player gives a valid fair catch signal and muffs the ball, the kick has not ended, nor is it dead by rule. Is it legal for him to be hit after he muffs the ball and before the kick ends?