NFL, NFLPA discussing shortening 2020 preseason

Could the NFL actually shorten the 2020 preseason? Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL, NFLPA discussing possibility of shortening 2020 preseason

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/10/20

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL is discussing changes to the 2020 season, including modifying the preseason.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of shortening the 2020 preseason from four games to two.

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

While they may play less preseason games, players are set to report to training camp on July 28, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Obviously things could change prior to next month due to the pandemic, but all signs are pointing to the league starting up on time come August.

Other leagues around the country have plans to resume in the coming months as well. The NHL has a 24-team playoff format in place, and players were allowed to begin skating this week. A start date and two hub cities still are up in the air, but it seems hockey could be back as early as August.

The NBA also has plans to resume in August with a 22-team format at Walt Disney World, and Major League Soccer announced it'll be playing a tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney beginning next month.

Major League Baseball, meanwhile, can't seem to come to an agreement with its players' association to begin the 2020 season, so football may be more popular than ever this coming year as a result.

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