The Atlanta Falcons still have a decision to make regarding the roster status of veteran return man Devin Hester, but a healthy Hester probably would get the green light on some kickoff returns despite an NFL rules change.
NFL owners approved a new rule that would have the ball spotted at the 25-yard line rather than the 20 on touchbacks. The intent appears to be to limit the number of returns and the injuries that come with such a violent part of the game, although the number of short kickoffs could increase as well to negate the 25-yard markoff.