NFL Approves Several New Rules for 2023 Season

Here's a quick look at some of the new rules for the upcoming NFL season.

The NFL owners approved several new rules set to begin in 2023.

One of the more controversial changes that drew the ire of Giants co-owner John Mara is that teams will now be permitted to play twice on Thursday night football. Thursday night games, hosted by Amazon, are widely unpopular among players and coaches alike, given the short work week coming off Sunday games don't allow for preparation or full recovery for the players.

All players outside of offensive and defensive linemen will now be permitted to wear the number zero on their jerseys. New Giants receiver Parris Campbell will don the digit for the Giants in 2023.

And speaking of jersey numbers, kickers and punters can use any jersey number between 0-49 and 90-99. Previously kickers and punters were only permitted to wear low numbers on their jerseys.

The league approved the use of Guardian Caps, first introduced last year during training camp and were required only until the second preseason game. 

The caps, designed to help reduce head injuries during training camp practices, are now required for every preseason, regular season, and postseason practice that entails contact. 

Offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, running backs, and fullbacks must wear the caps.

The NFL also clarified the use of the helmet against an opponent by removing the “butt, ram, spear” language from Article 8 of the rule book and incorporating those actions into impermissible Use of the Helmet. It is now a foul if a player uses "any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent's head or neck area."

The league clarified that a "launch" will be viewed as a player "leaving one or both feet." The league also increased the penalty for tripping from 10 to 15 yards, making it a personal foul.

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