NFL rumors: Here’s why 2020 preseason schedule could be shortened

The NFL preseason schedule normally consists of four games per team, but that could change in 2020.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL and NFLPA have discussed the idea of shortening the 2020 preseason, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday.

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

Giving medical professionals as much time as possible to lend their expertise to the league is a smart idea. The preseason is an important evaluation period for teams as they finalize their 53-man rosters, but the health and safety of everyone involved obviously is of a higher importance.

The first preseason matchup is the Hall of Fame Game between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, which is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m.: vs. Detroit Lions
Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.: vs. Carolina Panthers
Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.: at Philadelphia Eagles
Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.: at New York Giants

The NFL reportedly has already canceled joint practices scheduled for August. The Patriots and Lions had agreed to hold joint practices before their preseason matchup on Aug. 13 at Gillette Stadium, but those sessions won’t happen.