The NFL changed another rule that affects the Patriots
Bill Belichick's offseason practices have undergone a slight change.
The NFL has a new rule requiring players to wear numbered jerseys during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN.com.
Previously, during certain offseason practices, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick prefered his players to wear numberless jerseys In compliance with the new rule, Patriots players have been wearing their numbers during New England’s 2016 offseason.
The NFL explained the change to ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss:
According to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, it was instituted to “ensure clubs are in compliance with workplace rules” (e.g. injured players shouldn’t be participating) as it “will permit the league office and NFLPA to monitor player participation during on-field sessions.”
It’s not the first time the Patriots have been in the middle of a rule change. The NFL tweaked its rules on receiver eligibility during the 2015 offseason. Prior to the change, New England exploited an eligibility loophole during their AFC Divisional Game victory over the Ravens.
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