Overview

• Following a successful trial that cut concussions by 43% and raised return rates from 21.8% to 32.8%, the dynamic kickoff rule has been made permanent and touchbacks now bring the ball out to the 35-yard line.
• Regular season overtime will mirror the postseason by granting both teams a possession regardless of an opening-drive touchdown.
• The expanded replay assist system can overturn clear penalty errors—such as facemask, horse-collar, tripping and roughing-the-kicker calls—when video evidence shows no foul occurred.
• Referees will replace physical chains with a virtual first-down measurement system that uses optical tracking to instantly signal when the line to gain has been reached.
• Trailing teams can now declare onside kick attempts before the fourth quarter with coverage players aligned one yard closer, and teams get two injured-reserve return slots at final roster cuts plus two extra IR returns for playoff clubs.