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NFL Referees Face Travel Chaos, Schedule Shake-ups
15 Nov
Summary
- NFL altered officiating assignments for Week 10 games due to FAA-related travel disruptions.
- Three backup referees were drafted in to cover the officiating needs this week.
- The Indianapolis Colts' game against the Miami Dolphins is among those impacted by changes.
The National Football League has modified officiating assignments for its Week 10 games. These changes stem directly from significant travel disruptions experienced on Friday, following FAA-issued groundings of aircraft. The league confirmed that three backup referees have been enlisted to fill in for assignments affected by these travel issues.
One such adjustment impacts the Indianapolis Colts' upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. Side judge Don Willard is among the backup officials assigned to this contest. Willard is also scheduled to officiate the Sunday Night Football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL stated that each of its 17 officiating crews has a designated backup referee who undergoes year-round training for such contingencies.
Several other matchups have also been affected by these referee realignments. Games including the Carolina Panthers versus the New Orleans Saints, and the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Tennessee Titans, have had their officiating teams adjusted. These measures highlight the league's efforts to maintain game integrity amidst logistical challenges.
