NFL will consider expanding replay assist for facemask penalties

The NFL will consider expanding replay assist to include facemask penalties and other plays.

Officials have missed several obvious facemask penalties this season, including two in a three-week span during Thursday night games.

"When we see it, because I see it like yourselves and the fans, I have an opportunity to see it from a different angle and see it from a slow-mo," NFL executive Troy Vincent said Wednesday at the league's winter meetings.

"When you think about the position of where the officials are, things are happening so fast. Sometimes the facemask can be the same color as the gloves. There's a lot happening. Concerning? Yes, because that's a big miss. That's a big foul. That's why we would like to consider putting that for the membership to consider putting that foul category that we can see, putting that [penalty flag] on the field to help. There is a frustration, and we believe that is one category we can potentially get right."

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was grabbed by his facemask and brought down in the end zone to end Minnesota's comeback attempt against the Rams on Oct. 24. But there was no call.

The Rams grabbed Sam Darnold's facemask before he was sacked in the end zone. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

On Oct. 3, officials missed a facemask on Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving while he ran for 7 yards late in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay instead was called for holding on the play, got forced out of field-goal range and Kirk Cousins rallied the Falcons to an overtime victory.

"That is one this year, the facemask seems like it was the obvious one" Vincent said. "That keeps showing up."

Vincent also cited hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, an