2 Giants players hurt on failed 'tush push' in loss to Seahawks

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger and rookie center John Michael Schmitz suffered injuries on the team's "tush push" play on a fourth-and-1 in Monday's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

Bellinger sustained a knee injury, while Schmitz injured his shoulder. The severity of their injuries is still unclear. The Giants didn't convert the first down on the play, which took place on N.Y.'s opening drive at Seattle's 27-yard line.

The Giants drafted Schmitz in the second round in April. The Minnesota product has started all four games for New York this season. Bellinger, a fourth-round selection in 2022, has caught only three passes in 2023 after finishing his rookie campaign with 30 receptions in 12 games.

Daboll said New York didn't practice that play live recently.

"You walk through it," he added. "It's not a live rep of practice. We've been successful at it. Just not on that one."

The "tush push" has recently been a controversial topic around the NFL, as many believe it should be banned. Led by Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles have made the play virtually unstoppable as their version of the quarterback sneak. The idea behind it is that the QB sneaks forward in short-yardage situations while being helped by a push from behind by his teammates in the backfield. Others have referred to it as the "brotherly shove," notes Raanan.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni recently addressed the situation and said banning the play isn't the right thing to do.

"I get that some people are complaining about it, but stop it. Stop the play," Sirianni said, according to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.

In addition to New York, the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers also unsuccessfully attempted Philadelphia's "tush push" in Week 4.

The Giants couldn't do much offensively versus the Seahawks. New York quarterback Daniel Jones finished the day with two interceptions - including a 97-yard pick-6 in the third quarter - while being sacked 10 times.