Report: NFL looking at possibility of shortened 2020 preseason

The NFL is still currently scheduled to start the 2020 regular season on time despite the coronavirus pandemic. However, there has been discussions between the NFL and NFLPA about the possibility of shortening the preseason in some capacity, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The catalyst behind a potentially shortened preseason would be to allow teams, players, and coaches more time to prepare for the regular season, per Pelissero. Though the NFL has allowed coaching staffs to return to their respective training facilities, players are still prohibited from returning barring for injury purposes. There’s hope training camp will start on time, with the league setting protocols earlier this week. But with limited knowledge of the virus and the potential for it to further spread, the NFL seems like they want to get some backup plans in place in case they have to further limit teams from getting together.

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

The Baltimore Ravens previously released their preseason schedule, starting with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 14. The regular season begins for Baltimore against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 13.