Joe Mixon Injured, Tackle Not Hip-Drop: What We Know
Joe Mixon, the star running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, suffered a concussion and an ankle injury during the Bengals' 27-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The injury occurred after a tackle by Ravens linebacker, Roquan Smith.
The Tackle:
The play in question saw Mixon running towards the end zone when Smith tackled him. The play immediately drew attention because the tackle appeared to be forceful and potentially dangerous. Many questioned whether the tackle was a "hip-drop" and whether it was a dirty play. The NFL will review the play to see if any penalty should be applied to Smith.
What We Know:
- No evidence of a hip-drop: While the tackle appeared forceful, there is no evidence to suggest that Smith intentionally hip-dropped Mixon.
- Mixon's injuries: Mixon suffered a concussion and an ankle injury. The severity of the ankle injury is still being determined, and his status for the next game is uncertain.
- Smith's perspective: Smith insists that his tackle was not a hip-drop. He claimed to be "playing through the whistle" and that his tackle was not intended to hurt Mixon.
Potential Implications:
- Mixon's availability: The Bengals will likely be without their star running back for at least one game, possibly more depending on the severity of his ankle injury.
- Smith's future: The NFL review will determine if Smith will face any penalties for the tackle. While the league has been cracking down on dangerous tackles, there is no clear evidence of a hip-drop in this case.
Moving Forward:
While the Bengals will be without Mixon for the foreseeable future, they will look to their other running backs to fill the void. The NFL will continue to investigate the tackle and decide on any potential disciplinary action.
What's Next:
- Stay tuned for updates on Mixon's injury and potential return date.
- Follow the NFL's investigation into Smith's tackle.
This situation is still developing, and we will continue to update you with any new information.
