forward progress

Question
If a runner's forward progress is stopped near the sidelines and is pushed backwards out of bounds does the clock stop or continue running?

Answer
John,

By rule, if the runner's forward progress is stopped, the clock would continue to run.  There are some caveats, however.  If it is a first down, the clock would stop for the chains, and then start again.  In the last moments of the half or game, if the player is trying to get out of bounds, and is not pushed back significantly (more than a yard), officials will typically rule that the player is out of bounds.  If he gives himself up to get out of bounds, they'll typically allow him to be out of bounds.  Again, that only applies if he actually does get out of bounds, and if he isn't pushed back by the defender significantly.

I hope that helps.

Bill Robers