Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Pereira explains why Steelers' Lawrence Timmons didn't have to leave after vomiting

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:55 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons had an embarrassing moment on the field during Pittsburgh’s 30-15 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

No, it wasn’t a missed tackle in the open field or dropping an easy interception. Timmons threw up during the first half of the game, not an uncommon occurrence in a sport that pushes you to your physical limits.

But despite leaving his breakfast on the field, Timmons was not forced to leave the game to get checked out, like players who are injured or appear to have sustained a concussion.

FOX Sports Rules Expert Mike Pereira explains why the NFL is OK with blood or vomit but has no tolerance for injury.

“If you have an injury timeout and attendant come out on the field, the injured player has to leave the field for a play,” Pereira said. “But if you’re puking you don’t have to leave the field. If you’re bloodied you don’t have to leave the field, either.

“There’s no blood rule in the NFL. So my god don’t twist an ankle because you have to go out.”