Raiders, Jaguars to open preseason in Hall of Fame Game

The new NFL year doesn't begin until March 16, but we now know which two teams will open the 2022 preseason schedule. 

Per Grant Gordon of the league's website, the NFL confirmed Monday that the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars will begin the preseason portion of the calendar when they face off against each other in this year's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Thursday, Aug. 4. Former Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch and defensive lineman Richard Seymour, along with former Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli, will be enshrined as members of the 2022 Hall of Fame class on Aug. 6. 

According to ESPN's Michael DiRocco and The Associated Press, this will be the fourth time the Raiders have participated in the Hall of Fame Game. Jacksonville has thus far only appeared in the game once, back in 1995 when they were an expansion franchise. 

Interestingly, both teams will have head coaches making their club debuts. The Jaguars hired former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson earlier this month, while the Raiders turned to ex-New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. 

The Hall of Fame Game takes place in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.