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Moving kickoff, touchback a touchy issue

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Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL competition committee, speaks to reporters about proposed rule changes at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 21, 2011, in New Orleans.

Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL competition committee, speaks to reporters about proposed rule changes at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 21, 2011, in New Orleans.

Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay says moving kickoffs up to the 35-yard line and bringing touchbacks out to the 25 have spurred "healthy discussions" among coaches and general managers.

Owners will vote on those changes, plus eliminating the blocking wedge and limiting coverage players from long run-ups.

McKay says Monday the proposed changes are "100 percent based on player safety." Owners will vote on them Tuesday, along with proposals amending defenseless player rules for receivers, and allowing the replay official to review all scoring plays at any time in games.