NFL, NFLPA to enforce stricter player safety rules this season

The NFL and NFL Players Association announced a renewed focus on player safety with enhanced penalties for specific infractions. Five key fouls will be prioritized: hip drop tackles, horse collar tackles, launching, hits on defenseless players, and blindside blocks. Players who commit three violations during the season will face a one-game suspension. Additional fines will be imposed on teams with excessive violations. Coaches must participate in meetings concerning players approaching suspension thresholds. Players fined for one violation can recover 50 percent of their fine if they avoid further infractions. Ron Rivera will join former players to oversee appeals for health and safety discipline.

• 8:19 PMYahoo Sports — NFL, NFLPA announce "greater emphasis" on five player-safety rules this season