NEW YORK — The NFL has adjusted instant replay rules to allow reviews of time remaining for the last play of each half or an overtime period in the playoffs.
The adjustment will be limited to situations in which time expired before, during or after a play that ends a half or overtime. Time can be put back on the clock or removed if replay shows an error was made.
At the end of the first half, time will be restored only if a timing mistake takes away “a significant opportunity for the offensive team to score.” At the end of the second half, time will be restored if it is a one-score game (eight points or less) and the additional play would be a kickoff or a scrimmage play by the trailing team.
The game would not be extended to create an additional play by the team that is ahead.
Previously, this situation was not reviewable under replay rules.
The adjustment will be reviewed by the competition committee for a recommendation to the 32 teams at the league meetings in March.
