Rules Explanation

[Green Monk Machine]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

According to the NFL Rules Digest, "No player on offense may assist a runner except by blocking for him." I have known this to be a rule for quite some time, but it seems as though it is never enforced. I am only left to assume that I don't understand the rule, and so I am looking for clarification.

In the game against the Lions, Stafford was pushed beyond the line of scrimmage by Bell, which would appear to be a violation of this rule. Bell assisted Stafford, the runner, in a way other than blocking for him.

What gives?

I think it is that you can be pushed but not pulled forward.