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Raiders still adjusting to new NFL helmet rule, 'gray area' that comes with it

OAKLAND -- Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah took a handoff up the middle, skipped by two Raiders defenders and entered Karl Joseph territory.

The Raiders safety raced up to Abdullah, who stumbled on the Oakland Coliseum’s infield dirt as he pushed for extra yards. Joseph angled down to make the stop, dropping his entire body to tackle the opponent. His helmet was to the side to Abdullah’s head, but his helmet did drop naturally.

Joseph thought he made a clean play. Three yellow flags told him otherwise.

Officials believed he violated the NFL’s new helmet rule, designed to prevent players from lowering their helmet and using it to make a hit.