NFL owners are tabling a vote on whether to ban the “tush push” play at the annual league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
The Green Bay Packers had proposed a ban on the play, which the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts, especially, run with great success in short-yardage situations. The Packers’ proposal sought “to prohibit any offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap.”
The decision not to vote now does not mean the issue won’t be put before owners in the future. It means the owners could hold further discussions and the proposal could return with modifications.
Concerns about player safety — particularly the possibility of neck injuries because of the way both offensive and defensive players must position their bodies during the play — has fueled the thought of a potential ban.
“I think certainly the medical professionals at the league have high concerns about putting players in positions that could lead to catastrophic injuries,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said, per The Athletic. “I think this is something that needs to be discussed and we need to be proactive with it rather than be reactive on that.
“I think we owe it to our players. It’s not about success. It’s about safety here.”
Not everyone agrees, including Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen.
“I’m not in favor of taking it out. I think it’s good for the game,” Steichen said, according to The Athletic. “What (the Eagles) do, they do it better than anyone. Other teams are doing it. Buffalo’s doing it. I think it’s been around for a long time, to be completely honest, because when you’re on the half-yard line and backed up, you gotta run a QB sneak. People (are) usually back there pushing.”
