When Bears coach John Fox throws his red challenge flag out onto the Soldier Field grass this fall, the game probably won't be interrupted by a referee running to the sideline to peek under the hood and analyze a video replay.
Instead, a tablet could be brought to the referee, who would serve as a consultant while folks at the NFL's officiating headquarters in New York make a final decision on the play in question.
That proposed change is part of a league initiative to speed up games and appease fans who tire of numerous disruptions, especially fans watching inside stadiums.
Commissioner Rodger Goodell explained it in an open letter to fans Wednesday, saying the NFL is considering changes based on fan feedback about the in-stadium and live NFL game viewing experience.
"We...know that you feel there are too many elements in the broadcast that aren't relevant to the play on the field," Goodell wrote. "With our partners, we will be looking to instead focus on content that is most complementary and compelling to you _ whether that is analysis, highlights or stories about our players."
The new video review procedure is expected to be approved by owners at the league meetings, which start Sunday in Phoenix.
The NFL on Thursday held a teleconference with media to field questions about changes and proposals subject to discussion and ownership vote next week.
Here are some highlights from the call, which was hosted by competition committee chairman Rich McKay, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent and senior vice president of officiating Dean Blandino:
