The key to what you’re asking is your statement: > The ball was not touched by the person who hit the hand of the QB If you frame that in the context of the [eligible receivers rule]( http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/11_Rule8_ForwardPass_BackPass_Fumble.pdf) you'll see… > ELIGIBLE RECEIVERS > > Article 5 Eligible Receivers. > > The following players are eligible to catch a forward pass that is > thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. (a) Defensive players. > > (b) Offensive players who are on either end of the line, provided > they either have the numbers of eligible players (1-49 and 80-89) or > have legally reported to play a position on the end of the line. See > 5-1-2. (c) Offensive players who are legally at least one yard > behind the line at the snap, provided they either have the numbers of > eligible players (1-49 and 80-89) or have legally reported to play a > position in the backfield. > > (d) All other offensive players after the ball has been touched by > any defensive player or any eligible offensive player. The key to your question is 5d. Since the defender **did not** touch the ball, the O-lineman is not eligible.