March 17, 2013

Saints running back Darren Sproles (left) is unable to make the catch as he is hit by Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh during NFL action in Arlington, Tex. on Dec. 23, 2012. (Mike Stone/Reuters)

PHOENIX - Perhaps no professional sport tinkers with its rules as much as pro football.

Ever evolving schemes on both sides of the ball used to be the primary reason. Now it's player safety.

Three of six proposed rules amendments in the NFL this year are aimed at reducing players' exposure to serious injury.

The league's competition committee announced the proposals on Thursday.

Owners will hear presentations from the committee here at the NFL annual meeting, and are expected to vote on the amendments -- as well as three minor changes to the league's bylaws -- on Wednesday morning.