NFL's Tush Push ban proposal not expected for 2026: What it means for Eagles, Bills
CBS Sports
by
Brad Crawford
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NFL has decided against banning the controversial "Tush Push" play for the upcoming 2026 season, despite recent discussions surrounding its safety and effectiveness. This decision comes after an increase in the use of the play during the 2025 season, which has sparked debates about player safety and the fairness of such tactics on the field.
The "Tush Push" involves offensive players pushing their quarterback or ballcarrier forward at the line of scrimmage to disrupt defensive holds, often used in critical short-yardage situations. While it can be effective for gaining a first down or scoring touchdowns near the goal line, critics argue that it increases the risk of injuries and leads to frequent missed calls due to the chaos created at the snap.
Proposals to ban the play have been floated before but failed to gain enough support. For instance, the Green Bay Packers attempted to push for a ban in 2024, but their proposal was rejected by the league's competition committee. Co-chairman Rich McKay has stated that there is currently no formal proposal to ban the play, and he doesn't anticipate such action in the near future.
Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have heavily utilized the "Tush Push," with both organizations investing significant time into perfecting its execution. However, not all teams agree on its merits. The Packers, under coach Matt LaFleur, chose to distance themselves from the play due to concerns about player safety
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026