NEW YORK -- The NFL is considering expanding instant replay to cover "down by contact" plays that previously were not included in reviews.
Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, chairman of the league's competition committee, said Wednesday the change will be considered next week in Maui at the annual league meetings.
In the past, replay has not applied to plays ruled dead because an official has blown a whistle calling the runner down.
"Those plays have been misunderstood," he said. "What we're considering would allow for a recovery if replay shows the ball came out before the play was down -- even if the whistle has blown."