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League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: General

NFL plans to close loophole Eagles used on kickoffs

CBS NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 8:01 PM

Last updated Sep 25, 2026

NFL plans to close loophole Eagles used on kickoffs
Summary

The NFL is expected to eliminate a loophole allowed teams to use a holder without a tee on kickoffs, which the Philadelphia Eagles have exploited recently. This rule alteration comes after the Eagles utilized punter Braden Mann to hold the ball on the ground for kicker Jake Elliott. The tactic was aimed at executing a low, hard-to-field kick, termed a 'Dirty ball.' Despite currently being allowed, experts argue this practice goes against the spirit of kickoff rules. The league may require all kickoffs to use a tee, standardizing how holders operate during kicks.

Source Links
CBS NFL
Key Details
  • •NFL considering eliminating holder loophole for kickoffs
  • •Eagles used Braden Mann to hold ball for Jake Elliott
  • •The tactic involved placing the ball on the ground
  • •Concern over the interpretation of kickoff rules
  • •Future rule changes may affect how teams operate on kickoffs.
Latest Updates
  • 8:01 PMCBS NFL — NFL likely to shut down rulebook loophole Eagles have been exploiting for the past two weeks
What they're saying
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Philadelphia and other teams have added a 12th man on kickoffs to hold the ball on the ground

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NFLFootball

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