Tush push, hip-drop tackles among possible NFL rule changes in 2024

Horse-collar tackles were banned years ago because they too involve defenders twisting the ball carrier’s body in an awkward position while typically placing all of their weight on the runner’s legs.

According to AP, the NFL is collecting data and conducting a study on hip-drop tackles before it makes a final decision.

“What’s happening on the hip-drop is the defender is encircling tackling the runner and then swinging their weight and falling on the side of their leg, which is their ankle or their knee,” NFL competition committee chair Rich McKay said.“…But when they do it, the runner becomes defenseless. They can’t kick their way out from under. And that’s the problem. That’s where the injury occurs. You see the ankle get trapped underneath the weight of the defender.”

In addition to the hip-drop tackle, the league will also reevaluate the legality of the “tush push” — a quarterback sneak popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles in which two players line up behind the quarterback and push him forward to help him gain more yards.

The legitimacy of the play was discussed last offseason but no rule change was proposed and the play, which is not specific to only the Eagles, is still used. 

The NFL is also collecting data on the “tush push,” including injury statistics and success rates, which will presumably factor into the league’s decision whether or not to outlaw the play next season.