Rams/vikings game
 

was at game today. Noticed 2nd half, only 6 man crew. Back judge was gone. Anyone hear why? I was surprised NFL didnt have a back up official.

I checked Behind The Football Stripes and Football Zebras and no mention on either web site. Those two sites follow NFL officiating pretty close.

If an official can't continue due to injury/illness, the B will move to the injured official's spot and they continue with 6 officials.

Happened in a Monday night game a couple of weeks ago also.

The NFL does not have alternate officials (although I think with the new agreement and adding crews, they might start having alternates assigned to gameday crews).

I know that at the upper levels of NCAA, there's an alternate official with each crew. (either someone whose regular crew is off for the week, or an up-and-coming official from a lower conference).

Ask this question yesterday and was informed the B came into the game with an injury and was not able to continue after half-time.