Reddy Steward Tackle Under NFL Review
The league is reviewing a controversial hip-drop tackle by the Dallas Cowboys defensive back.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football
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The NFL is expected to take disciplinary action following a tackle by Dallas Cowboys defensive back Reddy Steward on Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Bucky Irving. Analysts and social media users have questioned whether the move violated the league’s ban on hip-drop tackles.
Why it matters
The NFL implemented this specific ban in March 2024 to mitigate the risk of serious lower-body injuries to players. The league closely monitors these tackles to maintain enforcement standards.
A first offense of the prohibited hip-drop tackle carries a $17,911 fine. By comparison, player Quinnen Williams was previously fined $17,389 for the same infraction.
The players
Reddy Steward
He is a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys who was activated from the practice squad for the game against the Buccaneers.
Bucky Irving
He is a player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who scored a receiving touchdown during the first half of the game.
The details
Reddy Steward pinned Bucky Irving to the ground by grabbing his hips and applying his body weight. The competition committee defines this prohibited move as grabbing a runner, swiveling, and dropping hips to trap the runner's legs.
Timeline
March 2024: The NFL officially introduced a ban on hip-drop tackles.
October 8, 2026: The Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played in Thursday Night Football.
Season Trajectory
This incident follows the NFL ban on hip-drop tackles, marking a departure from previous seasons where such defensive maneuvers were permitted. The league is currently using these reviews to establish a strict precedent for player safety throughout the remainder of the season.
Steward was not flagged during the game, meaning the Cowboys did not face an immediate 15-yard penalty. Any eventual fine will be processed through the league office rather than affecting the team's current standings or game results.
The takeaway
The league is prioritizing the reduction of lower-body injuries by strictly regulating specific tackling techniques. Players and teams must adjust their defensive strategies to avoid these costly fines and potential suspensions.
Further reading
For more on league rules and player safety, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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Should the NFL impose fines on players for tackles that were not penalized during the game?
