**NFL Investigates Tackle That Injured Buccaneers' Chris Godwin**

The NFL is currently investigating a tackle that sidelined Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin during Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The incident, which occurred in the final minute of the game, is being scrutinized to determine if it involved a hip-drop takedown, a type of tackle banned by the NFL in March.

The tackle in question saw Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith and another defender converge on Godwin, who was striving for a first down. Smith's takedown left Godwin in evident pain, and he was subsequently carted off the field. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles later announced that Godwin likely suffered a dislocated ankle and would undergo surgery this week, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Although the tackle wasn't flagged as a hip-drop during the game, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested it "appears to have all the elements" of one. The NFL describes a hip-drop tackle as occurring when a defender wraps up a ball carrier and rotates or swivels his hips, unweighting himself, and drops onto the carrier's legs.

Had the tackle been identified as a hip-drop on the field, it would have resulted in a 15-yard penalty against the Ravens, an automatic first down for the Buccaneers, and a $16,883 fine for Smith. The NFL is continuing its review to ascertain whether Smith's tackle on Godwin fits this banned category, which could still lead to a fine for the Ravens linebacker if confirmed.

The outcome of the investigation will likely have implications for how referees enforce the hip-drop rule moving forward, and could underscore the NFL's efforts to enhance player safety by penalizing dangerous tackling techniques.