India, April 12 -- NFL owners approved nine major rule changes for the 2026 season this week. These updates focus on special teams play and expanding replay power during league games.

Teams can now declare an onside kick at any point during games. Owners removed the old rule that limited these kicks to the fourth quarter.

Kicking teams must notify officials before they attempt the special onside play. Receiving teams can now use four floater players in the kickoff setup zone.

Touchbacks on kicks from the 50-yard line will move to the 20. This change stops kickers from intentionally booting the ball out of bounds.

The league office can now eject players for flagrant acts through replay review. Replay officials can throw a virtual flag ...