NFL owners approved a series of minor rule changes

On Tuesday and saved their more difficult decisions for Wednesday, the final day of their annual meetings. Among the approved rules was the elimination of all chop blocks, an expansion of the horse collar rule to include instances in which defenders grab the nameplate of the jersey and a permanent approval of the 15-yard line as the line of scrimmage for extra points. Left unaddressed is a proposal that calls for a player to be automatically ejected if he commits two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one game. The league will also continue discussions on a proposal to move the touchback after kickoffs to the 25-yard line, and there was no vote Tuesday on several proposals to expand instant replay. Further discussions will take place Wednesday, and a vote on one or several of them could take place before owners adjourn at midday.