Reports on Wednesday indicate that the NFL Ref lockout could be coming to an end. The refs might be back at work this weekend to replace the replacement refs.

One of the biggest stories of the young season has been the refs who get criticized in the moment, and then people complain on social media about the league not paying normal refs.

Blown calls, delays in the game and player safety are all issue with replacement refs.

The normal refs missed many calls last season and delays in the game happen. However, the NFL must bring back the normal refs because of player safety alone.

The replacement refs have been equivalent to substitue teachers, as Monday Night Football announcer Mike Tirico eloquently put it. There are helmet-to-helmet hits that go unpenalized, physical hits on the quarterbacks and extra curricular activities after the play. Players know they can get away with a lot and take advantage of the situation.

Bad calls happen, like the one that occurred on Monday night in Seattle. The reality is it was only a regular season game early in the year.

The bigger issue of the replacement refs is the safety of players in a league that has made it a priority. The consequences of head injuries has casted a dark shadow over the sport of football. The longer there are replacement refs, the better chance of more NFL injuries.

Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt