NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is pleased by an increase in returns as a result of adjustments to the so-called dynamic kickoff, with more plays and fewer injuries, though a change could eventually be coming to onside kicks.

There have been 877 kick returns so far this season, a rate of 79.3% that is up significantly from the 31.7% through the first seven weeks of last season. It's the highest return rate at this point since 2006, with the second-most yards through Week 7 in history, according to league officials.

Owners voted in April to make the kickoff format permanent after experimenting with it in 2024, while moving touchbacks on kicks that reach the end zone on the fly from the 30 to the 35 in the hopes of leading to more kicks in play and more returns.

"I’m just happy that the foot

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