What happened: A player's third covered offense in a season now triggers a one-game suspension. Players with one covered violation can recover 50% of the fine at season's end, while eligible single offenses in other categories qualify for a full refund.
Why it matters: Coaches must join players in league meetings as they approach the suspension threshold. Ron Rivera will enter the pool of former players overseeing discipline appeals.
By the numbers: The five emphasized violations are hip-drop tackles, horse-collar tackles, launching, hits on defenseless players and blindside blocks. All players enter 2026 with a clean slate, but violations carry into subsequent seasons.
What to watch: Enforcement during the 2026 regular season will show how consistently the five covered violations are identified.