Roger Goodell is content with replacement referees if it will ensure long-term improvements to officiating.

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have yet to reach an agreement, and Goodell acknowledged that time was running out to make the regular officials available for the openers.

"We're anxious to get a deal done, but it has to get done that it's going to help us for the long term," Goodell said. "It's not a short-term issue."