I believe that I recently read that they changed the K-ball rules. Before, kickers and punters could play with them just a little bit during pregame. But now, the restrictions are gone. Kickers and punters can truly break in the k-balls to their specifications during the week, warm up with them on the sideline, etc.
The article went on to explain that this is why there is a rise in 55+yard field goal attempts this year and why coaches are fine with kickers trying 60+ like it’s nothing.
wish I could remember where I read that, though