Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - A successful vote by owners Tuesday at the league meeting in Atlanta has made it mandatory for players to wear thigh and knee pads for the 2013 season, according to NFL.com.
But the players' union can oppose because the move was not collectively bargained. The NFL Players Association released a statement shortly after the owners approved the changes.
"Any change in working conditions is a collectively-bargained issue," the statement said. "While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment. We are engaged in and monitor many different issues, such as players' access to medical records, prescription usage and the situation with professional football's first responders, NFL referees. We always look forward to meeting with the NFL to discuss any and all matters related to player health and safety."
Also on Tuesday, the owners voted on a two-week extension to the trade deadline. The change would allow teams to make trades until after Week 8 of the regular season.
Another rule change would allow one player from each team's injured-reserve list to be added back to the active roster at a certain point in the regular season.
The owners must discuss these rules proposals with the NFLPA.
The Sports Network