NFL Keeps Sunday Schedule Intact Despite FAA-Related Ref Changes
One NFL referee is now assigned to two games.
The NFL is maintaining its Sunday game schedule despite nationwide travel disruptions caused by the FAA's ground stop on Friday. However, the league is making changes to officiating assignments to ensure officials are close to their respective games. This will result in three officials serving as fill-in referees: one is assigned to Indianapolis and the night game in Cincinnati.
The NFL confirmed all Sunday games will proceed as scheduled, including the Patriots vs. Lions game in Munich, which had already taken place before the flight disruptions. Other games on Sunday include the 49ers at Dallas, Chiefs at Atlanta, Texans at Cleveland, and the Chargers traveling to Baltimore on Monday night. The league stated that side judge Don Willard and umpires Barry Anderson and Duane Heydt will be the backup referees for Sunday's games.
Willard will officiate the Dolphins-Colts game in Indianapolis and the Steelers-Bengals game in Cincinnati, potentially becoming the first person to work two NFL games on the same day.
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