The NFL is still of the belief that the 2020 regular season will go on as expected, and already planned for, in September. But it appears the preseason may not.
Teams across the league have released schedules for their preseason exhibition games, but those reportedly might not go on as expected. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and players union are talking about potentially trimming the preseason slate due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic:
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
The NFL has already had numerous changes to their current offseason due to the pandemic, but in all likelihood, many players may not mind having less exhibition games to account for. That’ll help avoid injury.
However, players might see the least amount of actual football in league history this offseason prior to games counting in the regular season. The league recently sent a memo to teams in regard to getting players back in the building for workouts. In that, it was stressed the teams should conduct social distancing and virtual meetings and practices, when possible. The NFL and NFLPA have yet to agree on a time frame for players to return to facilities, but that slate of rules isn’t exactly anything that reminds one of a physical sport.
In addition, the league and players could use this opportunity to take a look into the future as well. The latest CBA agreement calls for an addition of a 17th regular season game starting next year, along with a shortening of the preseason. Teams could be getting a head start on prepping for an offseason with a shorter preseason in the coming weeks.
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