<Dd> The rule for receivers who were going to the ground during the catch process has been deleted . This is in response to several issues regarding the "going to the ground" rule, especially catches by Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant in the 2014 NFL playoffs and one by Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James in 2017 that were overturned due to this rule . </Dd> <Li> Allow a designated member of the officiating department (For 2018, NFL Senior VP of Officiating Al Riveron) to instruct game officials to disqualify any player who commits a flagrant non-football act on the field for a foul called on the field . This is in response to a situation where New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski intentionally inflicted a late hit on Buffalo Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White causing a concussion to White . Gronkowski was not ejected for the foul on the field, but did receive a one - game suspension after the NFL's review of the play . </Li> <Li> Illegally batting a ball on a scrimmage down will incur a loss of down in addition to the previous 10 yard penalty . </Li> <Li> In overtime, when a team is ahead by 3 points, a down will run to its conclusion and all applicable points will score, even if there is a loss of possession . Previously, the offense of the trailing team could not legally score if they lost and regained possession and reached the opponent's end zone all on the same play . The rule remains that if there is a double change of possession on a play with one team in the lead, it is the last play of the game . </Li>

When does nfl pre season football start 2018