Rams/vikings game

[hawktalk]

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.

[HLin NC]

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

[jTheUmp]

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).

[BIG UMP]

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.