The Los Angeles Rams are set to begin the preseason on Aug. 14 at SoFi Stadium as they’ll host the Saints for an exhibition game. That matchup, as well as Week 2 of the preseason, may not take place, though.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing trimming the preseason by two weeks, so that each team will only play two games. It’s not finalized yet, but some executives believe it could happen.
This is in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the limitations it has created in terms of sporting events taking place. It would also create more time between training camp and actual games being played, allowing teams to “ramp up,” as Pelissero put it, before the season starts.
That’s important considering OTAs and minicamp were canceled and no on-field work has taken place yet.
Shortening the preseason would allow for a longer “ramp-up” period, regardless of whether players agree to report a week or two early, and provide extra time for medical experts to finalize game-day protocols for testing, etc. More at the top of the hour on @nflnetwork
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 10, 2020
If the NFL were to cut the first two preseason games, the Rams would only face the Broncos at home and the Raiders on the road before beginning the regular season in September.
Losing two games wouldn’t be ideal for the Rams, who have three new coordinators on the coaching staff, but it wouldn’t have a significant impact, either.
The NFL’s ban on joint practices, however, is something that Sean McVay will surely miss. He’s used them as replacements for the preseason, allowing veterans and key starters to get work against other teams in controlled settings.