How do we handle a forward fumble that goes out of bounds?

Question

Accepted Answer

Since 2025 (Rules 3-4-2d, 3-4-3a, 4-3-1 exception): Situation Spot Game clock starts Forward fumble out of bounds between the goal lines Returned to the spot of the fumble On the ready-for-play Forward fumble into Team B's end zone, ruled out of bounds Not returned: touchback — Backward fumble out of bounds between the goal lines Where it went out of bounds On the snap Forward muff out of bounds Where it went out of bounds (the exception doesn't apply) On the snap

Situation	Spot	Game clock starts
Forward fumble out of bounds between the goal lines	Returned to the spot of the fumble	On the ready-for-play
Forward fumble into Team B's end zone, ruled out of bounds	Not returned: touchback	—
Backward fumble out of bounds between the goal lines	Where it went out of bounds	On the snap
Forward muff out of bounds	Where it went out of bounds (the exception doesn't apply)	On the snap