No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources.

Language still being finalized and owners must approve. If the kickoff team declares they’re attempting an onside kick, they potentially could be allowed to utilize an unbalanced (6x4) formation, raising odds of recovery. Just 5.2% were recovered in 2023 and there just two surprise onside kicks, thanks largely to run-ups being banned.

Dr. Pritts says Damar Hamlin's signs of improvement included emerging from his sleep, following commands -- and asking who won the game. Dr. Pritts clarifies that Hamlin cannot speak and still has a breathing tube in. He has been communicating in writing last night and today.

Dr. Timothy Pritts from the UC College of Medicine says there has been “substantial improvement” with Damar Hamlin over the past 24 hours.

“He is beginning to awaken and it appears his neurological condition and function is intact.”

Calls it a turning point in ongoing care. UC Health physician Dr. William Knight IV says: “It’s been a long and difficult road for the past few days. He has been very sick and has made a fairly remarkable improvement.” Now is showing positive signs in vital signs and organ recovery. Workup ongoing regarding the cause.

NFL EVP Jeff Miller says there has been no decision on whether to resume the Bills-Bengals game at a later date. Will consult with the clubs involved. Decision in the coming days. "That conversation about what we do with that game has begun."

Speaking about Damar Hamlin on a call, NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills says it's "not an exaggeration to say that the skilled and immediate response by all these talented caregivers prevented a tragic outcome at that moment."

Hamlin remains in critical condition. Sills says he doesn't want to address the cause of Hamlin going into cardiac arrest, pending further investigation, but Commotio Cordis "certainly is possible." Regardless of cause, emphasizes rapid response is key in any event like this.

The NFL just sent a memo to the remaining playoff clubs with a significant update to COVID testing cadence — eliminating the distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated players, who will no longer be subject to daily testing, per sources. The change is based on info gathered the past month on the Omicron variant and was approved by the NFLPA. All players and tiered staff will be subject to enhanced symptom screening, symptom-based testing and targeted surveillance testing.

The NFL informed clubs that unvaccinated players who tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days -- including #Colts QB Carson Wentz and LB Darius Leonard and #Chargers WR Mike Williams -- are now eligible to play Sunday provided symptoms have improved, per sources. Here’s the full NFL memo to clubs, which also notes that fully vaccinated individuals can still “test out” and return in less than 5 days. Unvaccinated players out 5 days since the initial positive specimen was collected.

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID protocols. Statement from the league: Most notable from a competitive perspective: There are now more ways for fully vaccinated players and staff to “test out” of COVID protocols and return from quarantine in less than 10 days. It’s very technical but should mean more players and coaches returning sooner.

The NFL just informed clubs that if a game cannot be rescheduled during the 18-week season in 2021 due to a COVID outbreak among unvaccinated players, the team with the outbreak will FORFEIT and be credited with a loss for playoff seeding, per sources.

Massive implications. Here’s more from today’s memo, which also says the team responsible for a canceled game because of an outbreak among unvaccinated players/staff will be responsible for financial losses and subject to potential discipline from the commissioner. Wow.

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for 2021 training camp and preseason, per source.

How different will life by for vaccinated and unvaccinated players? From the memo that just went to clubs: Unvaccinated individuals -- including players -- also will be prohibited from gathering outside of the club facility or team travel, per the memo. This includes gathering for meetings, practices or training activities unless approved by the NFL and NFLPA.