New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau is expected to be fined for a hip-drop tackle that injured Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison in Week 1.
The NFL has reviewed two plays involving this type of tackle and ruled that defenders, including Muasau, will be fined, with official announcements expected on Saturday. Addison, who injured his ankle during the tackle, is ruled out for the Vikings’ Week 2 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Several medical experts have identified Darius Muasau’s hip-drop tackle as the cause of Jordan Addison’s ankle injury, which will force the Minnesota Vikings receiver to miss at least one week. The controversial tackle has led to scrutiny from the NFL, with fines expected for Muasau and other defenders involved in similar plays. Addison’s absence is a blow to the Vikings as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL defines a hip-drop tackle as one where a defender grabs or wraps a runner, then drops their hips and body weight onto the runner’s legs, trapping them below the knees. This action is now subject to a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. The league is focusing on eliminating this technique due to the high risk of injury, as seen in recent cases like Darius Muasau’s tackle on Jordan Addison, which resulted in Addison’s ankle injury and forced him to miss time.
NFL Admits to Struggles in Penalizing Tackle That Injured Vikings WR Jordan Addison
When the NFL approved a ban on the hip-drop tackle in March, officials acknowledged the difficulty of calling it in real time. NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay admitted it would be a challenge to spot all the elements involved in such tackles. Despite the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) concerns about the potential for confusion, the rule was implemented to address safety concerns. The injury rate for hip-drop tackles is reportedly 20 times higher than standard tackles, making it a priority despite challenges in enforcement.
Vikings WR Jalen Nailor Expected to Step Up vs. 49ers
With Jordan Addison ruled out for Week 2, third-year wide receiver Jalen Nailor is expected to take on a larger role in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense against the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed confidence in Nailor, stating that he’s preparing him for more early-down work. Nailor, who caught a 21-yard touchdown in Week 1, will likely see more snaps as an every-down receiver in Addison’s absence, contributing significantly to the passing game.
