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After several recent high-profile injuries caused by defenders using a hip-drop tackle, the NFL may soon outlaw the practice.
According to Peter King of NBC Sports, the league will move quickly to change the rule that allows defensive players to grab opposing ballcarriers before twisting them and dropping their legs to carry them.
“I expect the NFL to move aggressively to eliminate the hip-drop tackle this off-season,” King said.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews suffered a significant ankle injury when he was tackled this way during the team’s 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Thursday Night Football.
King noted that the NFL is working with the National Rugby League to determine how often hip-drops are used, as well as the exact components of a particular tackling style.
“The league finds that it happens approximately once per game, so maybe 300 times a season,” King said.
While the league is reportedly aggressive in making the hip-drop tackle illegal, not all players are on board with the potential decision. More specifically, not all defensive players.
“We play a tackling sport,” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen said, via King. “I don’t think a hip-drop tackle is that bad of a thing. What else do you want us to deal with? Just let the guy pass you?”
King suggested that the NFL should discuss the issue in February at the Scouting Combine, when the league usually debates new rule changes.
