As the NFL prepares for the possibility of replacement refs being used during the 2026 season, the league has approved a rule change that will allow for the officiating department to assist with any potential missed calls on the field.
NFL owners voted to approve nine different changes and five rules proposals, including the one-year change that will allow for “clear and obvious errors made by on-field officials” if replacement refs are used at any point next season.
Other rule changes approved include allowing teams to declare an onside kick at any point during games, eliminating the incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line and modifying the kickoff alignment for receiving…