What is an ineligible receiver?

An ineligible receiver in football is a player who is not allowed to catch a forward pass because of his position on the field. In the NFL and NCAA, certain players on the offense are designated as ineligible receivers based on their jersey numbers. These players typically include offensive linemen, tight ends, and some running backs.

Ineligible receivers are not allowed to catch passes downfield, but they can catch lateral passes or passes behind the line of scrimmage. If an ineligible receiver catches a forward pass, it is considered an illegal touch and results in a penalty for illegal use of hands or ineligible receiver downfield.

Ineligible receivers are often used as blockers in the run game or to protect the quarterback on passing plays. Teams may also use deception tactics to confuse the defense by lining up an ineligible receiver as if he is an eligible receiver before the snap.

Overall, understanding and properly identifying ineligible receivers is crucial for both teams to avoid penalties and ensure fair play on the field.