NFL altering language in helmet contact rule

The NFL is altering the language to a new rule that would see players penalized 15 yards and potentially ejected from the game for lowering their heads while initiating contact, following a meeting Tuesday.

The rule was ratified five weeks ago for the 2018 season after a series of dangerous hits left numerous players with serious injuries. After a meeting Tuesday that was attended by coaches, the NFL is expected to finalize the language for the rule over the next week.

"I want to know how the officials are going to officiate this in real speed. We're sitting here watching all this stuff on video. And that's easy. I've asked six times, 'Can you rewind that back?' Well, they (officials) don't have that option on the field. I just want to see how they're going to do it - the language and how we're going to do this and how they're going to officiate it when it's full speed on the field," Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said to Mark Maske of The Washington Post.

Several players - mainly defensive players - argued it would take some time to acclimate to the new rule. After another meeting, Lynn is confident the rule will be clearly understood by players and enforced correctly by officials.

"When we left Orlando, I thought there was a little bit of a rush," Lynn said. "So I wanted to be here at this meeting. I was glad to see that we slowed this thing down. We're trying to do it the right way. I think how we're going about it now is really good."

Lynn was among several head coaches who attended the meeting, including Todd Bowles of the New York Jets, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions, and Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans.

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