NFL owners tabled a proposal Thursday that would have given teams an alternative to the onside kick, the second consecutive year they have decided against addressing what has become a thorny issue.

In a conference call Thursday afternoon, NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said the proposal -- submitted by the Philadelphia Eagles -- had too many outstanding questions to win approval.

The proposal was intended to alleviate the difficulty teams have experienced in converting traditional onside kicks since the NFL changed its kickoff rules in 2018.

McKay said that commissioner Roger Goodell asked the committee to address the remaining questions, which included concerns about whether it was fair to allow teams to advance the ball on an untimed down, and then possibly resubmit the proposal at a later date.

McKay and executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said the rule could provide a structure for future attempts to add a sky judge to officiating crews.

Senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron retained his previous title but will work primarily in replay