Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott recently expressed concerns about the Philadelphia Eagles‘ “Tush Push” play, calling it a potential safety hazard due to injury risks. McDermott’s remarks, made during the 2025 scouting combine, sparked significant debate among NFL coaches, as the Eagles‘ version of the quarterback sneak has become nearly unstoppable. McDermott, citing the positioning of players’ heads and spines during the play, argued that it should be outlawed for the safety of players.

“My strong feeling is let’s make sure that what we are doing keeps our players healthy and safe,” McDermott stated. “I don’t know if the right word is … the physics of it scare me in terms of some of this and the positioning of heads or spines or whatever, that scares me.” He further clarified, “I’m no medical expert, but that is my number one concern.”

McDermott’s comments focused on the physical mechanics of the Tush Push, describing the play as potentially dangerous due to the body positioning of the players involved. He drew comparisons to his own team’s QB sneaks but argued that the Bills‘ version was not as aggressive or dangerous as the Eagles’ iteration of the play.

NFL dismisses injury concerns over Tush Push

However, the NFL swiftly responded to McDermott’s concerns, stating that there is no empirical data supporting claims of injury resulting from the Tush Push. NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent clarified that there have been no reports of significant injuries related to the play. This revelation undermined the claims from coaches like McDermott, who now find themselves on the defensive after misinterpreting the safety risks involved.

McDermott’s concerns now appear to be unfounded, as it turns out that the Tush Push is not the dangerous play he feared. Despite his vocal objections, McDermott, who has used QB sneak plays with MVP Josh Allen, may have inadvertently contradicted himself. His position now appears hypocritical, as the Bills also employ similar tactics, albeit in a less refined form.

As the NFL continues to analyze the play’s impact, coaches like McDermott will need to reassess their stance. With no evidence linking the Tush Push to player injuries, the debate over its future remains firmly in the spotlight. While McDermott’s concerns were well-intentioned, they now stand in stark contrast to the reality of the play’s safety record.