Bengals returner Charlie Jones takes opening kick 99 yards
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The NFL is pleased with an increase in kickoff returns because of recent rule changes. The league reports 877 returns this season, a rate of 79.3% that is the highest since 2006 through the first seven weeks.
If you were to list the top NFL rookies, you would probably immediately think of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren or maybe Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. What about Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike?
Kickoff returns are way up in the NFL this year, and with that increase in returns is the promise of more excitement on a play that had become dull when touchbacks reigned supreme.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert returns the overtime kickoff 51-yards into Jacksonville Jaguars territory.
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The Panthers will be a kick return test for Savion Williams
The Carolina Panthers have knuckleball kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, one of the two best kickoff specialists in the NFL.
The NFL has made significant changes to its kickoff play in recent years, and it is possible another one could be implemented following the 2025 season.