NFL explains why forward-progress call on JuJu Smith-Schuster fumble was overturned
In their final seven drives of Sunday’s 30-24 overtime win at Houston, the Chiefs offense scored three touchdowns, missed a field-goal attempt, made a field goal, punted and fumbled.
The latter was a point of contention for Chiefs fans. The turnover came as receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was picked up by the Texans’ Tremon Smith and slammed to the ground.
The original ruling on the field was that Smith-Schuster’s forward progress had been stopped before he lost control of the ball. Houston challenged that and the play was overturned. The Texans got possession because Jake Hansen had recovered the fumble.
There also was a penalty on the play, but it was on Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon for a blindside block, not the hit on Smith-Schuster.
After the game, the NFL shared an explanation for why the call was overturned and McKinnon’s penalty.
NFL Officiating tweeted this: “In KC vs HST, KC was penalized for a blind side block. The ruling on the field was the runner’s forward progress was stopped. However, the ball was loose immediately upon contact by the defender, making the play reviewable.
“Replay confirmed the loss of control recovery by the defense. The penalty was added to the conclusion of the play.”
After the game, Smith-Schuster spoke with the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe about the play.
“I did fumble. I’ll be a man and own up to it,” Smith-Schuster said. “I did get bodied a couple of times but I love the game. That’s what it’s all about.”
This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM.
