NFL announces new rules targeting player safety ahead of 2026 season

The NFL and NFLPA announced significant player-safety rule changes on August 26, 2026, ahead of the upcoming season. Players will face suspensions for three violations of specific fouls, including hip-drop tackles and horse-collar tackles. The league aims to emphasize the elimination of these infractions, potentially leading to more flags and suspensions as enforcement increases. A new aspect is that violations will carry over into future seasons, meaning players could face suspensions for infractions committed in consecutive years. All players will start the 2026 season with a clean slate regarding prior violations.

• 2:02 AMYahoo Sports — NFL announces controversial rules change that will likely lead to more suspensions