NFL Officiating Changes Will Take Place In Postseason

Officiating changes that were being discussed by the NFL will take effect for the postseason, the league announced.

The changes will allow the league office to play a larger and more active role in correcting potential errors made by on-field officials. Most notably, the league office will be able to aid administrative matters, such as the appropriate assessment of penalty yardage; proper administration of the game clock; correct downs; and any other administrative matter not currently reviewable.

NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino will lead the initiative from New York. He will not be able to call or change a foul or be involved in judgment calls not subject to the replay system.

"The committee feels strongly that giving the referee and Dean the ability to consult with each other in certain situations beyond instant replay will further support officiating in the playoffs," Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee and president of the Atlanta Falcons, said in the news release announcing the changes. "The officials do a very difficult job exceedingly well, and we think this adjustment in the playoffs will make them even better."

Officiating crews are averaging 4.3 mistakes in roughly 160 total plays per game this season, based on the league's confidential grading method, Blandino said earlier this month.

The 2015 season has featured near-weekly instances of questionable calls, but Blandino said he considers them a statistical exception.

"There is a perception now that officiating is not very good at the moment," Blandino said. "But the reality is that the officiating is very good."

Chicago Bears: The Bears hit the practice field Thursday determined to stop Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 103 yards and 20 carries in Week 8. Minnesota scored 10 points in the final 1:49 of play to win 23-20 at Soldier Field. The venue shifts Sunday to TCF Bank Stadium, where the Bears have experienced mixed results. After the Metrodome roof collapsed in 2010, the Bears clinched the NFC North title in frigid temperatures on the University of Minnesota's campus. Last year, however, the Bears dropped the regular-season finale in Minnesota in what proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Marc Trestman and Phil Emery. -- Jeff Dickerson

St. Louis Rams: The Rams host Tampa Bay on Thursday night in what could be their final home game in St. Louis. That won't be decided until later, but one thing the Rams can do is get their second win in a row to keep their incredibly slim hopes of a postseason berth alive. -- Nick Wagoner

Indianapolis Colts: The hope is veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck will return to practice Thursday after watching practice with a sling on his left arm Wednesday. The sling helps limit the spasms in Hasselbeck's ribs, which he injured Sunday against Jacksonville. Charlie Whitehurst will start against Houston on Sunday if Hasselbeck doesn't play. "I feel good about the offense," Whitehurst said. "I feel good about the guys I'll be playing with." -- Mike Wells