NFL essentially eliminates kickoffs. Here's where Cincinnati Bengals ranked last year.

The NFL will adjust its kickoff rules for the 2023 season, according to multiple reports.

The new kickoff rule means teams will start at the 25-yard line if there is a touchback or a fair catch inside the 25-yard line on a kickoff or safety kick – kickoff following a safety.

NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported special teams coaches were unanimously against the rule change, but the measure passed and the proposal cited player safety as its reasoning.

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What to know about the new NFL kickoff rule change

The new rule is only in effect for the 2023 season, according to Pelissero, but can be made permanent after that. The rule essentially removes kick returns from the game because returners will be able to call for a fair catch anywhere inside the 25-yard line and the offense will still start at the 25-yard line. Fair catches in the end zone used to be spotted at the 20-yard line and fair catches were spotted wherever the receiver caught the ball.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had a touchback rate of 56.7% last season on kickoffs, and return men averaged 21.4 yards per return.

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