Here's another possibility: ignore the numbering exception.

Put 5 ineligible numbers on the line, and put the snapper wearing an eligible number on one end. Put somebody else on the other end.

Legal formation, snapper eligible, any down or scrimmage formation.

Exactly. Like HL said, don't make it harder than it needs to be.

Remember that the aforementioned requirements regarding the down and formation are for the exceptions to the numbering rule. That is, normally eligible numbers taking the place of one (or more) of the required 5 players numbered 50-79. If a team has 5 players numbered 50-79 on the LOS, then you don't have to worry about the exceptions.

So to address the swinging gate...if there are five players numbered 50-79 on the line of scrimmage between the ends (one of the ends being the snapper wearing a number 1-49 or 80-99), then the snapper is an eligible receiver.

If they don't have five players numbered 50-79 on the LOS, then the down and formation matter.

And since "covered" isn't a term used in the rules, as a coach when I see or hear this term (which apparently started being used by officials in their PA explanations in the NFL), I keep thinking of it in the sense of "guarded by the defense". Confuses the heck out of me in coaching discussions.

Sorry, that's what I was getting it. I didn't mention the exception because it doesn't matter.

Yeah, i debated whether to even include the word for that reason.

Thanks.