Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has claimed that his hit to the head on Baltimore Ravens wideout Torrey Smith was unintentional.

Meriweather was penalised for the play in his side's pre-season clash and could face a suspension by the NFL due to his past record with hits to the head.

However, the 30-year-old is adamant that he did everything by the book and couldn't do anything to prevent the action.

"I tried to aim at his numbers," Meriweather told reporters. "I kind of seen the pass go, and I went in and aimed low, and I hit him with my shoulder.

"I did everything my coaches taught me to do, and I got the flag."

The 30-year-old was suspended for one match in the 2013 season following a similar incident.