Decent catches on kickoffs at 25

NFL owners on Tuesday adopted a new rule that calls for the ball to be spotted at the 25-yard line as a result of fair catches and touchbacks on kickoffs.

The new rule now mirrors the college rule and will be a one-season trial in 2023. The ball must be placed on the 25 regardless of where the fair catch was made within the 25.

The goal of the rule is to reduce injuries by encouraging fair catches on kickoffs. The NFL said in March that marking the ball could reduce injuries on kickoffs by 25 percent.

However, the rule has been commonly used by special teams coordinators around the league. Coaches and players say the new rule will only lead to more squib kicks that cannot be fairly caught and must be returned — turning the intent of the rule on its head.

The measure was put forward by the competition committee in March and passed unanimously by the board.

— Field Level Media