Patriots Forced To Wear Numbered Jerseys In Offseason Practices

BOSTON (CBS) -- The NFL has instituted a new rule requiring teams to wear numbers on their jerseys during "phase three" of the offseason, which includes OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The rule puts an end to the Patriots' use of numberless jerseys in offseason workouts.

Bill Belichick had conducted offseason practices with numberless jerseys in recent years as a way to force teammates to "communicate more on the field while getting to know one another beyond their number," according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

According to NFL PR man Brian McCarthy, the league instituted the rule to "ensure clubs are in compliance with workplace rules," essentially making it easier for officials to know who did and didn't participate in practices and help them monitor injured players who can't participate in certain activities.

The rule marks the second in as many years that the league implemented or changed as a reaction to the Patriots' practices regarding jersey numbers. The league modified rules regarding eligible and ineligible receivers after the Patriots' unusual formations confused the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Divisional Round game.