Why Do Offensive Linemen Report as Eligible Receivers?

Aug 22

2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

An NFL player wearing an ordinarily ineligible receiver number must report a change of status to the referee before lining up as an eligible receiver. The referee communicates the number to the defense. That report solves the number issue; the player must still align legally to be eligible at the snap.

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When an NFL offensive lineman reports as eligible, he is telling the referee that his jersey number normally identifies him as an ineligible receiver but that he intends to line up in an eligible position for the next play.

An announcement that No. 72 is eligible does not authorize him to catch from any position in the formation.

Number and alignment are separate tests

The NFL normally treats numbers 0 through 49 and 80 through 89 as eligible receiver numbers. Players wearing 50 through 79 or 90 through 99 need the required report when changing to an eligible position.

At the snap, eligible receivers generally must be on an end of the offensive line or at least one yard behind it. A player covered by another teammate on the line is ineligible by alignment, even if his number was announced. The full receiver eligibility rules include additional details and exceptions.

For example, a tackle reports and becomes the end player on the right side. A wide receiver outside him is off the line, so the tackle remains uncovered. If that receiver steps onto the line, he covers the tackle. Reporting did not prevent the alignment from changing the answer.

Why use an extra lineman?

A jumbo package can add size at the edge for a run. Reporting preserves the possibility of releasing the extra lineman into a route, so defenders must account for him as more than a blocker.

The offense may repeatedly run from that look and later call a pass. It still needs the correct report, legal formation and legal forward pass. Extra size does not create extra eligible receivers.

Reporting is an ongoing responsibility

The player must report before each play while continuing in the changed position. The rule also lists events that restore his original number status, including a timeout, quarter ending, foul and other specified resets. Teams cannot treat one announcement as permission for the entire drive.

Failure to report when required is illegal substitution, with a five yard penalty. Illegal touching and ineligible downfield violations are separate questions. When the announcement comes, find the player, then check whether anyone covers him on the line.