Report: NFL expanding replay assist to include QB slides
The NFL is expected to expand replay assist to include plays involving quarterback slides for the 2025 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The league's competition committee will likely discuss adding quarterback slides to replay assists throughout the offseason before voting on any rule changes at the NFL's annual meeting in late March, Schefter adds.
The report comes a week after referees flagged Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o for unnecessary roughness late in the third quarter of a divisional-round matchup after he attempted to hit Patrick Mahomes as the star Kansas City Chiefs quarterback slid. The penalty helped set up a Chiefs touchdown that extended their lead en route to a 23-14 win.
Henry To’oTo’o was called for a penalty after this hit on Patrick Mahomes. #HOUvsKC | ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/w4E4cSI3FF
— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2025
Former senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson said the penalty was the correct call. Mahomes also defended his team, saying Kansas City doesn't receive special treatment from referees.
Officials can use replay assist in specific game situations, such as enforcing penalties and marking the spot of the ball. The league expanded replay assist for the 2024 season to include roughing the passer calls, intentional grounding, and late hits out of bounds.
The Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.