NFL Rumors: Rule Change for Fumbles Out of End Zone Doesn't Have 'Much Traction'

A change in the rules surrounding fumbles out of the end zone doesn't seem likely next season.

Per NFL.com's Judy Battista, there is "not much traction" regarding the rules about fumbling through the end zone. According to Battista, the Competition Committee discussed it on Monday and the feeling is that "it's the ballcarrier's responsibility to protect the ball."

The play, which doesn't happen frequently, results in a touchback, awarding the possession to the defense.

The rule has faced plenty of scrutiny over the years, picking up traction in this year's playoffs. During the AFC Divisional-Round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs had the ball on the goal line and were looking to extend their lead. Kansas City receiver Mecole Hardman caught a short pass from Patrick Mahomes and tried to get the ball across the goal line before being down. However, he wound up fumbling through the end zone, giving the ball back to the Bills.

The Chiefs ultimately won the game, so the play didn't come back to haunt them, but it did spark more conversation about the controversial rule.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, one of the biggest reasons why a change hasn't happened is due to the lack of alternative solutions.

"At the heart of the issue, a source said, is that no one has been able to crystalize what an alternative would be," Jones wrote. "And if no one cares enough to offer an alternative to the rule, then there won't be any change to the rule."

There have been discussions from the committee about giving the ball back to the offense either at the spot of the fumble or the opposing team's 15-yard line, but no changes have come yet.