A reevaluation of a defensive move in the NFL, which is believed to have caused numerous high-profile injuries in recent years, is underway.
As per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the league is contemplating outlawing the hip-drop tackle after the 2023 season, subsequent to a season-ending injury to Ravens tight end Mark Andrews on Thursday night.
The TNF match also led to the sidelining of two Pro Bowlers, with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also out for the season.
“This type of tackling is garnering substantial attention throughout the league, and it could soon be prohibited,” Russini stated. “The NFLPA is publicly opposing its prohibition as it believes the play will be too challenging to officiate.”
“A source within the league informed me that the deliberation of banning this tackle is already on ‘the table of contents of things to discuss in the offseason’ with the NFL competition committee. The last time it was discussed, the committee was divided on making the change. We’ll see if it garners more support this time around.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has also voiced criticism of the move in light of the injury to his star player.
“It was undeniably a hip-drop tackle,” he remarked after the game. “It’s being deliberated upon. It’s a challenging tackle. Was it even necessary in that scenario?”
The debate has also encompassed college football, as Florida State’s Jordan Travis sustained a gruesome injury from a hip-drop tackle against North Alabama on Saturday.
