Earl Thomas is unlikely to be suspended for knocking out Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in Sunday's 26-23 overtime win.
According to ESPN, the Ravens safety could face a possible fine for the hit, which will be reviewed after Thomas was flagged on the play.
Rudolph was attempting to make a throw in the third quarter when Thomas drilled him in the chin. It was a scary scene as Rudolph lay motionless on his back for several minutes while the team's medical staff attended to him and removed his facemask. He was later seen telling trainers, "I'm good" as he was helped to the locker room.
Mason Rudolph knocked unconscious. #BALvsPIT pic.twitter.com/rWkF1YfZRT
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) October 6, 2019
Rudolph was ruled out with a concussion and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Thomas expressed concern for Rudolph after the game but also defended the hit.
“I was just trying to get to the ball and make a play for my team,” Thomas said, per the team's official website. “I hit the strike zone, I didn’t go high. I didn’t try to intentionally hurt him. I’m worried about him. I heard he’s at the hospital and my prayers go out to him and his family.
“But I’m never trying to hurt anybody. At the end of the day, guys have families. I would never try to intentionally hurt him. I was just trying to fly to the ball like I normally do.”
The Ravens (3-2) will next face the AFC North rival Bengals (0-5) in Week 6 action.