Report: Earl Thomas to Avoid Suspension for Hit on Steelers' Mason Rudolph

Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas was flagged for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third quarter Sunday afternoon, but that is expected to be the extent of the punishment.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Thomas is likely to avoid suspension. "The play will be reviewed for a possible fine," Pelissero added. "Not a surprise given the play was reviewed and Thomas was flagged, but not ejected."

Thomas' hit left Rudolph briefly unconscious. The 24-year-old walked off the field with the help of teammates after a medical cart malfunctioned, and he was later diagnosed with a concussion and did not return to the game.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided an update on Rudolph's status Monday morning:

Immediately following Sunday afternoon's game, Thomas said he was worried about Rudolph:

Elsewhere in the league Sunday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Carlton Davis was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook. Davis noted, "I just made a play":

Both hits came on the heels of the NFL suspending Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict for the remainder of the season for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle in Week 4.