The NFL is expected to release a full 2020 preseason and regular season schedule this week. The schedule anticipates a normal start to the season and the Super Bowl being played when it normally would.
However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there will be one likely modification to the league schedule. The international games slated to be played in England and Mexico are not likely going to be played abroad amid the current pandemic.
NFL plans to release its preseason and regular-season schedule later this week, but one league source said Sunday that he doesn’t “think any international games (are) coming this year.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 4, 2020
According to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, the league will announce this to teams this week.
League source tells me teams will be informed today or tomorrow that International Games will not be played in 2020. That means Falcons will not play the Broncos in Denver. Instead, Falcons will play that game at home. https://t.co/OJU3xmxGlH
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) May 4, 2020
This would affect the Arizona Cardinals, who were scheduled to play one of their home games in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca against the San Francisco 49ers.
That would mean the Cardinals would play that game at State Farm Stadium. Local Cardinals fans will then not “lose” that home game.
If this ends up being the
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Ep. 266
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Ep.265
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case, the Cardinals will certainly have to make up the international game. Because State Farm Stadium is slated to host a Super Bowl, the Cardinals are required to “host” an international game, giving up a home game at their stadium.
It works out for fans in Arizona, but it will be a disappointment for the league and for fans in Mexico City looking forward to seeing the Cardinals and 49ers play.
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