NFL Approves Rule Change Moving Ball to 25-Yard Line After Fair Catch on Kickoffs

[Auggie]

NFL owners approved a new rule Tuesday for the 2023 season that will result in the ball being placed on the receiving team's 25-yard line when they call for a fair catch inside their own 25 on a kickoff or safety kick.

The new rule was "unanimously opposed" by NFL special teams coordinators, likely because it will make kickoff returns even less frequent.

The rule is essentially a carbon copy of the kickoff rule that the NCAA enacted for college football ahead of the 2018 season.

SNIP

The fair catch rule could result in even fewer returns and touchdowns in 2023. While that should increase player safety, it could also make for a less exciting game.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10077030-nfl-approves-rule-change-moving-ball-to-25-yard-line-after-fair-catch-on-kickoffs

According to the link, the new rule is in place for just 2024. Owners will get a season to weigh its pros and cons before making it permanent.

[tdawnnews]

1. NFL approves emergency 3rd QB after 49ers' injury woes in NFC title game

NFL owners approved a rule change Monday that allows teams to play an emergency quarterback from the inactive list if the first two are injured during a game, a decision that stems from San Francisco’s depth-chart challenge in the NFC championship game.

The bylaw was initially proposed by the Detroit Lions. The third quarterback designation will not count against the limit of active players — either 47 or 48 — that is determined 90 minutes before kickoff.

The emergency activation can only occur after injury or disqualification, not for a performance-related decision or other conduct. If either of the first two quarterbacks are cleared by the team’s medical staff to return to play, the third must be removed from the game and can only return as a quarterback if an injury scenario arises again.