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The NFL and NFLPA continue to make progress towards agreeing on a full plan for how the 2020 season will be conducted.
Today, both sides agreed that there will be no preseason games this year, according to Mike Garafolo.
From @gmfb on the NFL and NFLPA reaching an understanding on zero preseason games for the 2020 season. pic.twitter.com/2If46gWP2m
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2020
In addition, the NFLPA has said that training camp roster sizes are expected to be limited to 80 players, according to Ian Rapoport.
In a call with players today, NFLPA leadership said roster sizes are expected to be 80 to start camp, source said. Not a surprise, GMs are working under this assumption.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2020
Both of these moves were expected to happen, but they make for a drastic change to the preseason nonetheless. Normally, camp begins with 90-man rosters, most of which get to play four preseason games.
Now, many fringe roster players won’t get live game reps to show they’re worthy of a 53-man roster spot, and there will be 10 less players competing for spots for each team.
It’s unfortunate both cases are happening, but the coronavirus has forced the sports teams in all leagues to drastically change their approach for their upcoming seasons.
And it’s really bad news for teams like the Bengals, who needed a full preseason to help speed up the development of No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, who’s first NFL game of any kind will now be Week 1 of the regular season vs. the Chargers.
The good news is the 2020 NFL football season is still on track to actually have a season. The same cannot be said for college football, who’s 2020 season remains on life support.