NFL's kickoff rule change nullifies main argument against tush push

In 2024, the league implemented the "dynamic kickoff," previously seen in spring football leagues such as the XFL and UFL.

The change, which saw players line up in a "landing zone" and be unable to move until the ball was caught or landed, was intended to increase the number of returns while decreasing the number of injuries.

That only partially came true. At the end of the 2024 season, Seifert noted that nearly a third of all kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. Meanwhile, the injury rate on returns decreased to "the same on other plays from scrimmage," Seifert wrote. 

While the progress made on the injury front should be celebrated, it still means that injuries are as likely to happen on returns as on normal downs.

In a follow-up post, Seifert revealed players suffered eight concussions on kickoffs in 2024, the same as in 2023 but with a higher number of returns.

Do you know which play had no concussions reported last year?

Do we even have to say it? Of course, it's the tush push.

NFL injury data showed not only were no concussions reported on tush pushes in 2024, but the play had a 0 percent injury rate.

So, for those scoring at home, some in the league are comfortable bending rules that will lead to more concussions, yet want to nix a play with a nonexistent injury rate. Make it make sense.

Later in the day, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that owners "tabled voting on ... the tush push in order to have further discussions."

Schefter added that on Sunday, the league "presented the injury risk of the push sneak based on data modeling."

"My biggest concern is the health and safety of the players, first and foremost," Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday.

"I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go," he added.

That's a nice message, but it rings hollow with the league insisting on increasing the number of kickoff returns, plays known to cause injuries.

At least the NFL has a whole offseason to develop a better argument against the tush push. It's going to need it.