The NFL has kept strictly to its offseason schedule, making little changes to anything in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but now the case can be made for shortening the preseason. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL considering shortening preseason

By Blake Harper | Last updated Jun 11, 2020 9:57 AM ET

The length of the NFL preseason has been criticized by fans, players, and coaches alike and according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the league may finally be considering shortening to preseason from four games to two in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

"The NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of shortening the 2020 preseason, per sources," Pelissero tweeted. "Nothing finalized or imminent, but multiple team executives informed of talks currently believe they could end up playing two preseason games, rather than four."

In a follow-up tweet, Pelissero said that 'shortening the preseason would allow for a longer 'ramp-up' period' so that medical experts would have extra time 'to finalize game-day protocols for testing' along with not forcing teams to travel too much before the season begins.

The NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of shortening the 2020 preseason, per sources.

Nothing finalized or imminent, but multiple team executives informed of talks currently believe they could end up playing two preseason games, rather than four.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 10, 2020

Teams are able to report to camp 47 days before their first regular-season game, which means that most teams would be reporting in late July. Given the fully-remote offseason up to this point, there are concerns that players may need more time than usual to get in shape for games. Pushing back preseason games two weeks would give the players more time to prepare for the season without risking an injury that comes with playing.

The preseason is supposed to help teams prepare for the season but in recent years, teams have been putting their starters on the field less and less. The preseason is mostly played by rookies and backups so that they can show how they may be able to contribute to their team in the regular season.

Blake Harper

Blake Harper is a writer based in New York. He's originally from San Diego and is one of the few Chargers fans left. He doesn't believe in ties and loves elaborate celebrations. Follow him on Twitter @beezyharps

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