The NFL is preparing to send out instructions to game officials and teams explaining new rules for inspecting footballs.
Two people familiar with the league's plans on Monday said that proper inflation of the footballs will be documented as part of the new policy. But those people, speaking on condition of anonymity because the league has not released information on the new policy, say no instructions have been sent out yet.
The first preseason game is Aug. 9, the Hall of Fame game between Minnesota and Pittsburgh in Canton, Ohio.
Among details being considered for the new policy: having game officials appointed by the referee inspect the 48 footballs for each game more than two hours before kickoff.