NFL & NFLPA Discussing Shortened Preseason

According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing shortening the 2020 preseason to two games. 

Given the lack of on-field OTAs due to restrictions from the pandemic, this would allow for a longer ramp-up period for teams after they report to training camp. 

It also would allow players to potentially report at the same time as usual without giving up the collectively bargained time off. The NFL previously floated the idea of having players report to training camp early in mid-July. 

Pelissero adds it also gives the NFL more time to work out game-day logistics around playing football during a pandemic, including testing, as preseason games will be the first trial balloons for the league. 

While team facilities are starting to reopen for coaches to have the option of returning to work, it doesn’t appear that teams will try to bring players back for minicamp work before the end of June. 

The NFL and NFLPA have also discussed the possibility of certain players such as rookies and veterans who changed teams this offseason and need physicals returning to facilities on a limited basis before June 26. 

We’ll have more regarding the NFL’s plans for the 2020 season as the news is available.