NFL: Down by Contact?

[gerntz]

R tips but doesn't possess pass, is hit by D, goes down, then catches ball & is not touched again by D. Is he down by contact or eligible to move forward? Thanks.

[Wildcat Larry]

I would think he could get up and run, but what do I know. If he was knocked to the ground, then the ball was tipped and he caught it on the ground, he could get up and run, so I don't see the difference.

Of course, there may be a rule about this that I don't know. :shrug:

[lighthouse]

gerntz wrote: R tips but doesn't possess pass, is hit by D, goes down, then catches ball & is not touched again by D. Is he down by contact or eligible to move forward? Thanks.
I checked with my NFL contact and he said the offensecould get up and run in this senerio. Once possession is gained, the defense has to touch the offensive player for him to be considered down by contact.