Scrimmage Vs Free Kick

[ddn]

In regards to "Punt crosses the nuetral zone - bounces on the downfield side and then bounces back behind the neutral zone - does K's status regarding recovery/advance change just because the ball bounced on its own back behind the NZ."

My conclusion from the rulebook and case play is that K may advance that ball....


Rule
6.2.3 Any K player may catch or recover a scrimmage kick while it is in
or behind the neutral zone and advance, unless it is during a try.

Casebook (bolding mine)
6.2.3 SITUATION A: A scrimmage kick by K1 is partially blocked in the neutral
zone by R1. The kick goes beyond the neutral zone where R2 muffs it back behind the neutral zone. K2 recovers behind the neutral zone and advances across R’s goal line. RULING: Touchdown for K. COMMENT: The right of the kickers to advance their recovered scrimmage kick depends entirely upon whether the kick is recovered in, behind or beyond the neutral zone. Whether the kick went beyond the neutral zone and then rebounded behind it is of no consequence. The spot of recovery is the only factor. If the recovery is in or behind the neutral zone, K may advance. If the recovery is beyond the neutral zone, K may recover, but may not advance.