PATs to be moved back in preseason

The NFL will experiment with extra-point kicks from the 20-yard line for two weeks in the preseason this summer, but implementing longer PATs for the regular season has been tabled.

Team owners preferred to see how the longer extra points work in exhibition games before making any decisions on a permanent switch.

On Wednesday, the owners also rejected proposals to move kickoffs to the 40-yard line and to allow more than one player to be placed on injured reserve, then return to the roster during the season.

Adopted on the final day of the spring meetings were proposals to extend the length of the goalposts 5 feet to 35 feet to better determine if kicks are good, and no longer stopping the clock on sacks.

Expanded playoffs in 2014 possible

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says it’s possible the playoffs could expand next season.

Goodell said at the spring meetings that “it’s not out of the question.” He says he “wouldn’t rule it out, but I wouldn’t say that’s the direction we’re heading.”

The owners discussed adding two playoff teams to the current 12, one in each conference. The topic is certain to come up when Goodell meets with the players union April 8, and again at the owners’ May meeting in Atlanta.

No surgery for former Bills QB Kelly

Doctors treating Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly’s cancer now say surgery is not the best option.

Kelly’s wife, Jill, said the treatment plan for her husband has changed because the cancer is in areas that surgery cannot eradicate.

She says doctors believe chemotherapy and radiation are the best option given the cancer’s complexity and aggressive nature.

Around the league

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to the terms of a one-year contract with quarterback Luke McCown, who was Drew Brees’ backup last season, as well as the holder on field goals. … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free-agent receiver Louis Murphy. In 71 career games, including 24 starts, Murphy has 121 receptions for 1,744 yards and eight touchdowns.