The NFL is hoping to avoid another "Fail Mary" situation. With theleague and the referees union at an impasse,the NFL voted Tuesday to approve a one-year policy that would assist replacement refs to correct "clear and obvious"missed calls during a game, Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein confirmed.
Also Tuesday, theNFL approved a separate policythat allows the replay command center in New York to consult with on-field officials if it believes a player could be disqualified from a game due to a missed call. The approved amendment also allows the replay center to put flags down on plays too, which was not part of the original proposal. This policy applies whether the usual refs or replacement refs are on the field.
Additionally, the NFL approved a rule change regarding onside kicks, which are now legal to declare at any time during the game. Previously, only trailing teams were allowed to declare them, a rule enacted as part of the new Dynamic Kickoff format implemented in 2024.
Details on NFL's new rule assisting potential replacement referees
The policy on assisting replacement referees, which team owners approved Tuesday, allows the NFL's Officiating Commander Center in New York toadvise the replacement refsif a possible penalty was missed. While replay assist isapproved for certain penaltiesalready, the new policy would allow the NFL command center to weigh in on "missed roughing the passer or intentional grounding penalty," per ABC4.com.
In previous instances, replay assist on roughing the passer plays or intentional grounding could only be used if a foul was called on the play. Under the new policy, replay assist would be able to weigh in if officials missed those calls in the moment. This policy only applies if replacement refs are used in 2026.
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The policy — and its approval — was likely the result of the "Fail Mary" fiasco back in 2012. That year, the NFL used replacement refs during the first couple weeks of the regular season. Frustration over the replacement refs came to a head during a Sept. 24 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, when a controversial call resulted in the Seahawks beating the Packers on the final play.
The play, and its impact, likely led to both the NFL and the referees union coming back to the bargaining table and hammering out a deal. Two days after the "Fail Mary," a deal was reached, ending the referee lockout.
The possibility of the NFL once again turning to replacement refs in 2026 seems high after negotiations between both sides stalled in late March. The league's collective-bargaining agreement with the referees union ends May 31, giving both sides two more months to hammer out a new deal.
In another attempt to avoid a "Fail Mary" situation, the NFL will reportedly beginonboarding possible replacement refs in Mayso they have more time to be trained and ready for the 2026 NFL season, per Epstein.
New NFL rule might've been inspired by DK Metcalf situation
Meanwhile, the policy on league personnel consulting officials regarding disqualifications — which is not contingent on replacement officials — could be a response to the DK Metcalf situation from last December.
During a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions,Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at a fanin the front row. While the altercation was captured on the broadcast, officials did not see it since it occurred on the sideline. Metcalf was allowed to keep playing in the contest, which theSteelers won in dramatic fashion. Metcalf, however, was suspended by the NFL for the final two regular-season games after the league reviewed the footage of his confrontation with the fan.
Under the new policy, the NFL command center could — presumably — contact on-field officials and let them know about a situation like the Metcalf altercation shortly after it happens, possibly resulting in his ejection.