The NFL went ahead and did the expected by deciding to cancel two preseason games this summer, shortening the schedule to two in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert provided the reasoning: “Primary driver was the understanding that players will need longer to get into football shape. There will be a ~ 3-week acclimatization period between the start of camp July 28 and the first pod of preseason games.”
But it’s not so simple. The NFL has canceled games for Week 1 and 4 and aims to have every team play at least one home game. But Cincinnati’s Week 2 opponent, Minnesota, would have two away games.
In other words, the NFL still might have to move around the schedule a bit to make this all work. One would think the Bengals still somehow playing somewhat locally against Indianapolis (usually the Week 4 game) would make sense given the proximity.
As of now, no changes to training camp start time. We took a deep dive on what a potential canceling of preseason games could mean for Joe Burrow and the offense.
