A notable NFL rule change affecting jersey numbers is 'likely to pass,' according to a report.
The league is said to be considering a proposal -- put forth by the Kansas City Chiefs -- that would loosen restrictions on jersey numbers, which are defined by position.
The motion is expected to pass, NFL insider Peter King reported, and would allow skill-position players including running backs, wide receivers and tight ends to wear single-digit numbers, among other changes.
As well, defensive backs and linebackers would be permitted to wear nos. 1-19, which would be a new sight in the NFL.
The proposed tweaks would make the league's number rules more relaxed overall, like those in college football. Per King, the new number ranges would be as follows:
QB, punter, kicker: 1-19.
RB, TE, WR: 1-49, 80-89.
DB: 1-49.
LB: 1-59, 90-99.
OL: 50-79.
DL: 50-79, 90-99.
The Chiefs made the proposal because of difficulty managing number assignments last season, King reported. Large rosters and practice squads, combined with relatively high roster turnover and some numbers being retired, can lead to confusion for teams and fans alike. King cites the case of the Los Angeles Rams, who had three different players suit up in No. 30 last season.
A previous notable amendment to the number ranges was implemented in 2004, when wide receivers were first permitted to wear numbers in the teens for reasons other than a number crunch on the roster.
NFL team owners were set to vote on the proposal later this month.
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