NFL Network’s Player Health and Safety chief correspondent Andrea Kremer reported Friday on NFL Total Access that the league’s competition committee will meet to discuss a number of issues related to the subject at next week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Among the topics that will be considered are low blocks, similar to the one that injured Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing last season — a hit that was legal according to the rules. The committee will determine whether the rules should be changed to better protect defensive players. It’s a subject about which many defensive players have criticized the NFL.

Another point of discussion will center on helmet-to-helmet hits in the middle of the field. Several players, including Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, have said the current system of fining players for illegal hits hasn’t been effective. That could lead the competition committee to evaluate if suspensions would be a better way to reduce the number of helmet-to-helmet collisions. The committee could also recommend harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Kremer also gave an update on the progress of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is rehabbing from reconstructive knee surgery. The defensive back is nearly back to his playing weight and doctors hope he can begin “unloaded running” — running on a treadmill while slightly lifted to remove some of the weight — very soon. Revis says his goal is to be ready for training camp. Meanwhile, the team’s trainer hopes the three-time All-Pro corner will be ready for football activities by April.

– Marcas Grant, contributing editor