April 04, 2016 - Dr. David Chao
Monday Morning MD: How 2016 NFL rules changes will affect safety
At the recent NFL owners meetings, a total of 10 new rules were announced for the 2016 season. The league often touts its health and safety improvements. Four of the new rules were enacted with player welfare in mind; however, did the league go far enough?
Four rules changes for safety
Pulling a player to the ground from behind by his dreads is still legal, but that maneuver is just as dangerous as a true horse collar or tackling by grasping the nameplate area. I understand that some will say the player should cut his hair, but my point is that dangerous type of tackle from behind is still legal.
- All chop blocks are now illegal
- Horse collar tackle expanded to include the area “at the nameplate and above”

- Retroactively designate IR player as “designated to return”
- Moving the touchback on kickoffs to the 25-yard line