Kickoff returns are returning to the NFL.

Team owners on Tuesday approved a new rule that will take what essentially had become a dead play and make it an integral part of the game again, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasnt announced the change.

The major overhaul to special teams which has been in the works for years takes elements of the kickoff rules used in the XFL and tweaks them for use in the NFL beginning in 2024. The rule will be in play for one season on a trial basis and then be subject to renewal in 2025.

NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay said Monday there was urgency to vote on this rule before the draft because it could impact the way teams structure rosters. There were 1,970 touchbacks on kickoffs last season that now could be returns.

I think its good for the game, said Rams coach Sean McVay, who is one of three coaches on the eight-member committee. I think all the intentions are in the right direction, and Im really appreciative of the time and effort that the special teams coordinators have put in to try to be able to keep this play relevant in our game.