NFL's crackdown on fouls that lead to injuries could result in more suspensions

The NFL is looking to crack down on five potential plays and fouls that are more likely to lead to injuries, and it could result in an uptick in suspensions this season (and future seasons) for repeated violations. 

The league and the NFL Players' Association released a joint statement on Wednesday that a greater emphasis is being placed on five fouls that focus on player health and safety violations. 

NFL cracking down on fouls that lead to injuries could result in more suspensions

The announcement says that the focal point is going to include hip-drop tackles, horse-collar tackles, launching, hits on defenseless players and blindside blocks. 

Players who commit three offenses in those categories will be subject to a one-game suspension.

Beyond that, players who commit only one violation will get half of their fine back at the end of the season.

The league also notes that all players are starting with a clean slate for the 2026 season, but that all fouls accumulated this season will carry over into future seasons. 

More from the league's joint statement with the players:

"To support shared accountability, coaches will be required to join players in meetings with the NFL for players approaching the suspension threshold. Clubs with excessive health and safety rules violations will also face increased financial penalties. The NFL and NFLPA will also include a former coach, Ron Rivera, who also played nine seasons in the NFL, to the pool of former players who oversee the on-field discipline appeal hearings.

"In addition, players who commit a single offense in eligible categories will now have the entire amount of that fine returned to them at the end of the season.

"This approach distinguishes between isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players."

The NFL has been making efforts to cut down on injuries in recent years, and all of the fouls listed above have been increasing areas of focus. There is likely to be even more of a push given all of the information that is coming out regarding the number of former players who have suffered CTE following extensive careers in the NFL. 

Simply calling penalties and issuing small fines does not seem to be getting the message across or resulting in the type of change the league wants to see.

Costing players games (and by extension, more money) might start getting  a little more attention and result in a little more change.