NFL will test alternative to onside kick

The NFL will give a version of its proposed fourthand-15 alternative to the onside kick a look at this weekend’s Pro Bowl.

During Sunday’s all-star exhibition game in Orlando, Fla., a team can try to retain possession of the ball following a touchdown and extra point or successful field goal.

To do so, the team would have to convert what amounts to a fourth-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line. If it gets a first down, that team would maintain possession and continue its drive. If it doesn’t get a first down, the other team would take possession of the ball at the spot where the play ends.

There are no kickoffs during the Pro Bowl.

The NFL also said it would experiment during this Pro Bowl with not calling false start penalties when wide receivers flinch.

“The NFL Pro Bowl gives the league a chance to test new rules in a game setting,” the league’s officiating department said. “The 2020 game will feature tests of two potential rules changes.”

The inclusion of the fourthand-15 option gives the NFL a chance to view it in game action.

The Denver Broncos proposed a rule change last off-season, endorsed by the league’s rule-making competition committee, that would give a team the option to use the fourth-and-15 play instead of attempting an onside kick.

Under the Broncos’ proposal, a team would be able to use the fourth-and-15 proposal only once per game, during the fourth quarter only, with the play originating at the 35-yard line.

The Broncos’ proposal would have applied to pre-season, regular season and post-season games, but wasn’t ratified by the owners.

Rule change proposals must be approved by at least 24 of the 32 owners to go into effect.