The Denver Broncos will take on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL’s “Hall of Fame Game” in Canton, Ohio on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Denver was chosen to play in the game because late owner Pat Bowlen and former cornerback Champ Bailey are among this year’s Hall of Fame class. Atlanta was chosen because retired tight end Tony Gonzalez is also part of this year’s class.
In a video highlighting this summer’s top preseason games, NFL Network noted that the Hall of Fame Game will mark the first preseason game of 2019 and Joe Flacco’s first game as a Bronco. Flacco’s much-hyped debut may prove to be anticlimactic, though.
Many teams that play in the Hall of Fame Game rest their big-name starters so it wouldn’t be surprising to see players like Von Miller and Flacco not play against the Falcons. One series would probably be the most Flacco would play — and even that’s not guaranteed.
The game will still be worth watching, though, especially with rookie quarterback Drew Lock expected to make his NFL debut. The contest will begin at 6 p.m. MT and will be nationally televised on NBC.
