In the midst of a New England Patriots blowout victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, CBS dropped a bombshell in the middle of the broadcast.

Jay Feely, who is CBS’ kicking expert (because apparently that’s a thing), said during the third quarter of Thursday’s broadcast that the NFL will not change the kickoff rule it implemented this season that moves touchbacks to the 25-yard line.

The NFL was looking reduce kickoff returns with the touchback rule. Instead, it has actually increased the number of kickoff returns.

Because of this increase, there were rumors that the NFL was going reevaluate the rule in the middle of the season. However, Feely contradicted that report and said he was told by Roger Goodell that the rule will last through the season.

It seems strange changing rules in the middle of a season. However, this rule is probably worth looking at if we’re trying to reduce kickoff returns. The offseason seems like a perfect time to do that.

[CBS/NFL Network]

About Ryan Williamson

Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri and has recently returned to his Minnesota roots. He previously has worked for the Columbia Missourian, KFAN radio in Minneapolis and BringMeTheNews.com. Feel free to email me at rwilliamson29 AT Gmail dot com.