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NFL May Not Be Done With Cowboys Player After Bucky Irving Incident on TNF
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- NFL May Not Be Done With Cowboys Player After Bucky Irving Incident on TNF
A hard hit in a recent prime-time game has drawn heavy criticism on social media for Dallas cornerback Reddy Steward . Replays of his tackle on Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving showed a move that looked similar to the NFL's banned hip-drop tackle.
The officials did not call a penalty during the game, but the league could still punish Steward after reviewing the play. Based on earlier cases, he may receive a large fine as the NFL works to reduce dangerous tackles.
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Controversial tackle on Bucky Irving draws social media debate
The disputed play came during Dallas' 24-16 Thursday Night Football loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Irving carried the ball as Steward made contact, and the cornerback appeared to drop his weight onto the runner's lower body. No flag followed, leaving the NFL's postgame review as the next step.
Oct 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) dives for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Reddy Steward (27) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
"Was this an attempted 'hip drop' tackle on Bucky Irving??" Tanner Phifer asked . The question captured the central issue widely: a tackle can draw discipline after the game even when officials do not stop play. The league would need to decide whether the contact met its definition of an illegal hip-drop tackle.
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The possible financial penalty is significant. A first violation can bring a $17,911 fine, and a second violation can rise to $23,882. Those figures do not mean Steward has been fined; they represent the potential punishment if the league classifies the tackle as a violation, leaving the Cowboys' defensive depth under further scrutiny after the loss.
Reddy Steward's penalty history raises concerns over possible discipline
The NFL banned the swivel hip-drop tackle in 2024 after studying its injury risk. The rule covers a defender grabbing a runner and dropping body weight onto the legs, trapping the lower body beneath the tackle. Officials need evidence, but a video review can still result in a fine. Steward's physical style of play has repeatedly placed him under the league's microscope throughout the season.
"Dude I feel bad for Reddy Steward man he's getting cooked week after week." The comment was reported as criticism of the cornerback. Steward has faced scrutiny for horse-collar and unnecessary roughness penalties, though those incidents do not prove that this play violated the rule.
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The league must judge the Irving tackle on footage. Steward's previous penalties could pressure the league to explain the ruling.
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The post NFL May Not Be Done With Cowboys Player After Bucky Irving Incident on TNF appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
