NFL

Defenseless-player protection extended to punt/kick returners who possess the ball without time to avoid contact. Automatic replay-review expansion made permanent — covers scoring plays and turnovers negated by foul, plus all try attempts. Reserve/COVID-19 list instituted for positive tests or exposure.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Jersey-number expansion: running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers permitted to wear 1–49 and 80–89 (previously restricted). Preseason overtime eliminated for the first time since 1973. Kickoff set-up zone restricted to nine players on the receiving team.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Postseason overtime revised: both teams assured of one possession even if the first team scores a touchdown. Kickoff set-up zone permanently capped at nine receiving-team players (previously a 2021 experimental rule). Injured reserve eligibility expanded — players return after four games, with up to eight returns per team per season.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Fair catch on kickoffs at or behind the 25-yard line awarded at the 25-yard line (mirroring the college rule adopted in 2018). Tripping upgraded from a 10-yard penalty to a 15-yard personal foul, reversing a 1974 change. Plays resulting in turnover on downs added to the booth-reviewable list (not coach-challengeable).

Recorded May 7, 2026

Hip-drop tackle prohibited (defined as wrapping the runner with both arms or hands and unweighting via swivel/drop, landing on the runner's legs at or below the knee). Coaches granted a third challenge if either of the first two are upheld. Major offensive fouls now enforced even when the defense also commits one on a change-of-possession play. Dynamic kickoff format introduced on a one-year trial. Trade deadline shifted from Week 8 to Week 9.

Recorded May 7, 2026

Auto-detected content change during sync (commit d92f604)

Recorded May 7, 2026