First two kickoff under NFL's new rules are both returned to the 26

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback.

Houston's Steven Sims fielded Cairo Santos' kickoff at the 5 and ran 21 yards before he was tackled at the 26 to open Thursday night's preseason game between the Texans and Chicago Bears. Touchbacks used to result in the offense starting at the 25.

After the Texans scored on the opening drive, Chicago's Tyler Scott caught Ka’imi Fairbairn's kickoff at the 7 and returned it 19 yards to the 26.

With both teams sitting starters, all eyes were on the overhauled kickoffs during the annual Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium.

NFL owners approved a dramatic change for kickoffs in order to revive a “dead play” that saw a record-low returns last season.

For a standard kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40, five on each side of the field.

The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. There will be up to two returners allowed inside the 20.

The Texans had two returners at the 1, seven players on the 35 and two on the 34.

Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.

Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned, or the receiving team can opt for a touchback and possession at the 30. Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air and goes out of bounds or out of the end zone also will result in a touchback at the 30.

If a ball hits a returner or the ground before the end zone and goes into the end zone, a touchback will be at the 20 or the ball could be returned.

If a kick goes out of bounds before the end zone, or hits the ground or is touched by the receiving team before reaching the landing zone, the return team gets the ball at the 40.

Owners agreed to a one-year trial of the new system that was heavily influenced by the kickoffs used in the XFL spring league.

Only 21.8% of all kickoffs were returned last season as both kicking and receiving teams too often chose to avoid the risk of a possible return.

The NFL estimates that more than half of all kickoffs will be returned this season. The goal is to increase the number of returns without making it more dangerous.

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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos prepares to kick off during the beginning of the NFL exhibition Hall of Fame football game against the Houston Texans, in Canton, Ohio, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

A fan waits with a helmet he hopes to get autographed after Chicago Bears NFL football training camp practice in Lake Forest, Ill., Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley will sit out against the New England Patriots on Thursday night with an injured toe.

Mosley left the Jets' win at Tennessee last Sunday in the first half with a bruised big toe on his right foot and didn't return. He didn't practice during the week and was listed as questionable for the game.

Coach Robert Saleh said earlier in the week that Jamien Sherwood would step in for Mosley as the defensive signal caller if the veteran was unable to play. Sherwood, in his fourth NFL season, played well against the Titans in Mosley's absence.

New York also promoted linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball from the practice squad.

Jets cornerback D.J. Reed is back in his starting spot opposite Sauce Gardner after missing the game at Tennessee with knee soreness.

New York placed edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on injured reserve after he tore his right Achilles tendon in the Jets' win at Tennessee last Sunday. Defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes was signed to the active roster from the practice squad to take Johnson's roster spot.

Also inactive for the Jets are running back Israel Abanikanda, offensive tackles Max Mitchell and Carter Warren, defensive end Eric Watts and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

The Patriots will play without starting left tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) and left guard Sidy Sow (ankle) after both were ruled out Wednesday.

Center David Andrews (hip) and right tackle Mike Onwenu (wrist) were active after being listed as questionable.

Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley was inactive after he injured a shoulder against Seattle. Also not playing for New England were defensive end Jamree Kromah, cornerback Marco Wilson and quarterback Joe Milton.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs between New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)