AP/USA Today
Undated -- According to NFL.com, the NFL reached an agreement with the NFL Referees Association late Wednesday to end the referee lockout. A league source tells NFL.com the two sides are working on the paperwork now.
A high-ranking referee told NFL.com and NFL Network's Jeff Darlington earlier that the officials are prepared to immediately begin work, noting he and many others have gotten access to all of the videos from the last three weeks of games that were distributed to the replacement officials.
NFL.com says earlier Wednesday, the league and referees agreed to create a developmental program as a compromise to the NFL's demand for the addition of 21 officials. The pool of money for the existing officials also will remain the same.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted "Pleased to report that an agreement has been reached with the NFL Referees Association. Details to follow."
The replacements worked the first three weeks of games, triggering a wave of frustration that threatened to disrupt the rest of the season. After a missed call cost the Green Bay Packers a win on a chaotic final play at Seattle on Monday night, the two sides really got serious.
It was not certain who would work this week's games, which begin Thursday night with Baltimore hosting Cleveland.
NFL.com/Associated Press