Back in March, the NFL owners passed a few new rule changes and tabled discussion on a few others until the next set of league meetings.

The owners met again this week in Atlanta and approved those proposals that had been put on hold. Those bylaw amendments will be implemented, pending input and discussion from the NFLPA.

Below are the rule proposals that were approved by the NFL Competition Committee:

• Moving the trade deadline from Week 6 to Week 8

• One player from a team’s injured reserve list would be able to begin practicing after six weeks and return to play after eight weeks.

• Beginning in the 2013 season, NFL players will be required to wear thigh and knee pads.