NFL weighs major rules change on balls fumbled out of the end zone: League VP Troy Vincent says unpopular policy is under review

One of the most widely panned rules in the NFL might be gone by the beginning of next season.  

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent said the league will look into the rules about fumbling the ball out of the end zone on Wednesday. 

Rule 8, Section 7, Article 3, Item 4a of the NFL's rulebook clearly states the current law of the game. 

'If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team,' the rulebook states. 

Most believe this rule doesn't fit in with the rest of the NFL's procedures because it unfairly punishes the offense and rewards the defense. 

The rule's review is unexpected, as CBS Sports reported in September that the rule hadn't been looked into in five years. 

Fumbles on the rest of the field are retained by the team who last had possession if not recovered in bounds. 

In an opponents' end zone, the ball going out of play automatically results in a touchback if the offense was the last to touch the ball. 

In a team's own end zone, if the offense is the last to touch the ball on a fumble out of bounds, it results in a safety. 

The rule was in the spotlight in September after Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson lost control of a ball while crossing the goal line against the Philadelphia Eagles.  

The officials reviewed the play, called it a Jefferson catch and fumble out of the end zone and awarded no points to the Vikings and the Eagles the ball on their own 20-yard line. Philadelphia ended up winning the game by 6. 

Any rule change must be approved by NFL owners, and what the rule changes would be or enforced are unknown.