The ground can't cause a fumble

[Beef Supreme]

I've seen at least two instances this pre-season where the ball popped out as the player with the ball landed on his back after being hit, both were called fumbles. I could have sworn the back counted as down by contact.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by BigChiefTablet

I've seen at least two instances this pre-season where the ball popped out as the player with the ball landed on his back after being hit, both were called fumbles. I could have sworn the back counted as down by contact.

Got a specific example (and video)?

If it's exactly as you described, those should not have been fumbles. However, if the ball starts to move around after the hit and then eventually becomes fully dislodged when the player hits the ground, it could definitely be ruled a fumble.

Likewise, if the player is hit but stays on his feet for a few runs, then falls and loses it, that could be called a fumble as well.