Over the past few years, the NFL has passed various rules changes to help protect snappers.  While there are no rule changes this year, the NFL Officiating Department announced that they will be placing a particular emphasis on defenders that initiate contact with the head or neck area of the snapper to protect snappers on point after attempts and field goals.

The exact statement is below:

While there is no rule change, the Officiating Department will emphasize in 2018 that fouls will be called when defenders initiate contact to the head or neck area of the snapper.