Helmet coming off

[Coach Murray]

Had an ofensive player lose his helmet in the pile.   We were tld that since the defense forced the helmet off, that the palyer didnt have to leave for one play.  My question is that if we weren't flagged for ripping the helmet off how was it not deemed that he had to leave the field?  Thanks for being on here clearing up issues for us.

[Bobref]

The rule is very clear. A player must be replaced for a down, unless the halftime or an overtime intermission occurs if:

“The helmet comes completely off during the down or subsequent dead-ball action related to the down without being directly attributable to a foul by an opponent.”

Only explanation I can come up with, without seeing the play, is that the helmet only partially came off, and the player took it off the rest of the way to make some sort of adjustment before putting it back on. But that’s just a guess.

 

[Coach Murray]

Nope.  Helmet was spinning on ground.  Was told by head official that player didnt have to come since defenders caused it to come off.  Not that it mattered in outcome of game.  Just wanted to know for my personal understanding.  Thanks