The NFL has reassigned three officials to referee Week 10 games within driving distance of their hometowns after Friday’s air-travel disruption. The league announced the changes Saturday morning.
Barry Anderson and Duane Heydt, who normally work as umpires, and side judge Don Willard will take on referee duties Sunday.
Anderson will referee the Jacksonville Jaguars-Tennessee Titans game in Tennessee, while Heydt will work the Carolina Panthers-New Orleans Saints game in New Orleans.
Willard has two assignments: He will first referee the Miami Dolphins-Indianapolis Colts game in Indianapolis at 1 p.m. ET, then travel to Cincinnati for the Bengals’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:20 p.m. ET.
A ground stop disrupted air travel Friday afternoon and lasted several hours. After planes began taking off again, the Federal Aviation Administration said delays and canceled flights would continue to affect travel.
The NFL said each of its 17 officiating crews has a designated backup referee who trains throughout the year to take the position if needed.
