Touchdown? The Real NFL Referees Reportedly Are Coming Back Soon [UPDATE: Maybe]

The following tweet was sent out by Adam Schefter just a few minutes ago:

Thank god. We'll update when we know more.

UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): Here is Chris Mortensen's report, which just popped up on ESPN.com:

Both sides have made concessions on previous sticking points such as a taxi squad of 21 new officials and pension plans that sources say the final meaningful hurdle is, as one source said, "about a little more money."

While league sources say owners who participated in a conference call with commissioner Roger Goodell during Tuesday's talks had instructed the negotiating team to set a firm barrier for the financial settlement, the NFLRA is prepared to accept a new agreement primarily in the form of a "ratification bonus," which would compensate its 121-member union for concessions it is willing to make.

The NFLRA and the league have all but agreed on developing a 21-member "taxi squad" that Goodell has pushed, but not at the financial cost of the union members.

UPDATE (12:55 p.m.): The Washington Post's Mark Maske adds the following:

And here is Mike Freeman of CBS:

UPDATE (1:23 p.m.): And now Peter King gets in the mix. 'Round and 'round we go:

Sources: Ref lockout could end soon [ESPN]

UPDATE (5:09 p.m.): And now Mort is bringin' the jokes!