EAGAN, Minn. — NFL special teams guidelines continue to shift.
Tuesday, NFL team owners approved a proposal that will allow teams that fair-catch kickoffs and safety kicks behind the 25-yard line to spot the ball at the 25-yard line.
The rule will go into effect for one season on a trial basis.
League officials said kickoff plays generate the highest rate of concussions every single year. Kicks hung inside the 5-yard line generated particular concern in their film study of injury incidences.
“We can’t stand by and do nothing,” said Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy.