Fox NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira sidelined due to back surgery

Pereira worked as an NFL official from 1996-2010. He then took a job with Fox Sports as a rules analyst, providing unique insight to the broadcasts on Sunday afternoons. He’s become one of the most popular personalities as part of the coverage team.

In Pereira’s absence over the weekend, Dean Blandino stepped in to help out with rules questions.

It will certainly be a different type of broadcast without Pereira on standby to explain potential difficult calls. But, hopefully, the rest and recovery will allow the former official to return to the broadcast team sooner rather than later.

More big NFL injury news

Fox potentially losing Pereira as a rules analyst is pretty big news in terms of the NFL. But it’s hardly the biggest news from Week 1.

That belongs to Aaron Rodgers, who’s first season with the New York Jets came to an end after just four plays. The four-time league MVP threw just one pass in his debut with the team and suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

“An MRI confirmed the #Jets’ fears: Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon Monday night, per sources,” tweeted NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero.

There was a lot of excitement surrounding the Jets during the offseason because of the addition of Rodgers. Many believed he could be the missing piece that made New York a legitimate playoff team and potential Super Bowl contender.

It was an incredibly unfortunate way to open the 2023 NFL regular season. Now, there are questions swirling about whether Rodgers will call it a career after the injury. He won’t have to rush to make a decision, but it’s something every NFL fan will keep an eye on the rest of the year.