Fox NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira sidelined due to back surgery

A familiar face associated with NFL broadcasts may not be on the television during the 2023 season. Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira could miss the entire year because of a back injury.

Pereira, a former NFL official, is part of the Fox broadcast team on Sundays to help explain different rules. He announced that he could potentially miss this season with a post on social media.

“Well, the season is starting and for me, I am on IR,” Pereira said on Sunday. “Bad back and soon to come surgery keeps me from traveling and keeps me home. You are blessed not to see me on the tube for possibly the season. I will be able to answer your questions during the week that you might have.”

Well, the season is starting and for me, I am on IR. Bad back and soon to come surgery keeps me from traveling and keeps me home. You are blessed not to see me on the tube for the possibly the season. I will be able to answer your questions during the week that you might have.

— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) September 10, 2023

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, whose 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.