New helmet rule likely to be part of replay for officiating
ORLANDO, FLA. » The NFL’s new rule outlawing a player from lowering his head to initially make any sort of hit with his helmet likely will be included in replay reviews for officials.
That has not been decided yet, but Commissioner Roger Goodell and competition committee chairman Rich McKay made it clear Wednesday that video reviews probably will be part of the process.
“If we’re able to have replay confirm one of these fouls and also confirms a player be ejected,” Goodell said as the league meetings concluded, “I think there is more confidence among the coaches it will be called accurately.”
After noting the unanimous approval of the new rule among coaches, Goodell said on-field officials felt the same way.
“We think that is appropriate to do and it would be the first time we use replay for safety or in respect to any kind of foul,” Goodell added.
Late Tuesday, the owners rewrote the rule on using the helmet, making it a 15-yard penalty for any player to lower his head to initiate any hit with the helmet. McKay called it “a significant change,” noting that it was a “technique too dangerous for the player doing it and the player being hit.”
Also: • Goodell said any findings in the investigation of the behavior of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson will be made public once the probe is concluded. There is no timetable for that. Richardson has been accused of workplace misconduct and in December said he was selling the team. • While there were discussions in Orlando about the NFL’s national anthem policy, Goodell said the focus was more on implementing social justice platforms in tandem with the players. Potential changes to that policy could come in May. • Owners passed two more rules changes. Most noteworthy, the league eliminated the requirement that a team that scores a winning touchdown at the end of regulation kick the extra point or go for a 2-point conversion.
Source: Broncos acquire safety Cravens from ’Skins
DENVER » Su’a Cravens already appears to be relishing in his change of scenery and his chance at a fresh start. In a video posted on his Twitter account , the song “A Whole New World” from the Disney movie “Aladdin” played in the background before a smiling Cravens let out a loud “Woo!” Underneath was a caption that read: “Broncos !!!! Here I come!!”
The safety who contemplated retirement last season was acquired Wednesday by Denver from the Redskins, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed.
As part of the deal, the Broncos and Redskins flipped fourth- and fifth-round picks from this year’s draft. In addition, Denver sends a fifth-rounder to Washington — also from this year — and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2020.
Cravens was a second-round pick by Washington in 2016 following a standout career at Southern California. He played 11 games his rookie season, with one sack and an interception. Expected to be a starter last season, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Cravens was sidelined last August following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Browns send QB Kessler to Jags for draft pick
CLEVELAND » No longer part of the Browns’ plans, Cody Kessler got passed to a new team. Cleveland traded its former starting quarterback to the Jaguars, the latest move for the Browns who have spent the offseason upgrading the team’s most troublesome position following a 0-16 season.
In exchange for Kessler, the Browns will receive a conditional 2019 seventh-round draft pick from the Jaguars, who were in the market to find a backup for starter Blake Bortles.
Former Raiders QB Humm dies at age 65
ALAMEDA » David Humm, a former star quarterback at Nebraska who had a long career as a backup in the NFL, has died. He was 65.
The Raiders announced Humm’s death on Wednesday, calling him a true Raider for his seven years with the team. Humm had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988 and was in a wheelchair for more than 20 years.