Overview

• Patriots' starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson sustained a right ankle injury during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, sidelining him for the rest of the match.
• The injury occurred as a result of a 'hip-drop' tackle by Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, a controversial technique that the NFL is considering banning due to its high injury risk.
• Stevenson, the Patriots' leading rusher, fumbled the ball as a result of the contact, and Tuipulotu recovered it.
• NFL data suggests that 'hip-drop' tackles are 25 times more likely to cause injury than other tackles, potentially leading to significant lower-body issues like knee injuries, high ankle sprains, and fractures.
• Patriots center David Andrews and safety Jabrill Peppers defended the tackle, stating that it was part of the game and they didn't believe defenders used the technique with malicious intent.