Goodell comfortable with replacement refs

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the use of replacement officials, beginning Sunday during the Hall of Fame game preseason opener, isn't a major concern.

While members of the NFL Referees Association, including Ed Hochuli, said in a media conference call that the inexperience of replacement officials would lead to significant safety concerns, Goodell shot down the suggestion.

Goodell said officials, some with NFL experience but recently retired and others from various pro leagues with much different rules, including Arena Football, have been training for two months with the current league safety protocol top of mind.

Officials have been locked out by the NFL since June 3 and talks are not currently active.