In the aftermath of a controversial conclusion to the Dallas Cowboys’ win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night, the NFL on Tuesday sent a memo to clubs regarding players reporting as eligible, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported.
The memo, which included a video, was sent three days following the Cowboys defeating the Lions, 20-19 after officials ruled offensive lineman Taylor Decker was not an eligible receiver when he caught a 2-point conversion that would have given Detroit a one-point advantage. After Decker’s catch was negated, the Lions were intercepted on an ensuing attempt that was negated by a Cowboys penalty before a third attempt fell incomplete.
According to referee Brad Allen in the pool report, Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper reported as an eligible receiver, not Decker.
The video sent on Tuesday emphasizes that it’s the player’s duty to ensure his status change is explicitly signaled to the referee. This can be achieved through a physical gesture, moving up and down his chest, and also by informing the referee of his intention to report as an eligible receiver.
The video highlights Skipper, circled, raising his hand and gesturing as he reports for a late-game 2-point attempt, reminiscent of his performance in the first quarter of the Week 17 game.
The video was dispatched as a reminder to clubs.
The statement points out that any attacking player wearing a number between 50-79 or 90-99 is allowed to position themselves as an eligible pass receiver. However, such a player must instantly relay their status change to the referee. The referee, in turn, will notify the defense and make a stadium-wide announcement. The video emphasizes that this procedure has been in place for several years.
