The NFL is not making any significant changes in how they officiate the new helmet rule, but did offer one important clarification on Wednesday.
According to a statement from executive vice president Troy Vincent, the current helmet rule will continue as written during the regular season. However, Vincent clarified that “inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask” is not to be flagged by referees.
Statement from @NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations @TroyVincent23 pic.twitter.com/mSIUb8C26p
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) August 22, 2018
The statement also confirms that helmet rule calls will not be subject to instant replay review.
Some people are not going to be happy about this, as more than one player has been vocal in opposition to the rule. Inadvertent contact may not be punished, but that will be little consolation to many.
