New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau is likely to be fined for an illegal hip-drop tackle that injured Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison in Week 1. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported on September 13 that the NFL reviewed two hip-drop tackle incidents and concluded that defenders, including Muasau, are “subject to fines,” with official announcements expected on Saturday.
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Addison, sidelined for the Vikings’ Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers due to an ankle injury, was hurt during Muasau’s tackle. Medical experts have pointed to the tackle as the cause of Addison’s injury, which will keep him out for at least one week.
According to CBS Sports, Darius Muasau could face a $16,883 fine for a first-time offense. The NFL’s definition of a hip-drop tackle involves grabbing or wrapping the runner and dropping the defender’s hips onto the runner’s legs, which is now a 15-yard penalty with an automatic first down.
Despite the rule, no flags were thrown for hip-drop tackles in Week 1. The NFL admitted the difficulty in enforcing the rule in real time, but hopes to address violations through weekly discipline.
With Addison out, third-year receiver Jalen Nailor is expected to take on a larger role in the Vikings’ offense against the 49ers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has prepared Nailor to see more snaps, especially after his 21-yard touchdown catch in the Week 1 win over the Giants.
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