Fans probably wouldn't object to the NFL preseason permanently being shortened by a game or two. A move to 17-game schedules in the future may do that, but the preseason could see a reduced number of games in 2020 amid concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of reducing the upcoming season's slate of exhibition games by two matchups per team.
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
Pelissero notes that shortening the preseason would provide teams and players the extra time needed to finalize game-day protocols headed into the regular season.
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
NFL players have yet to step on the practice field as offseason programs have been conducted virtually via video conferences with no on-field or face-to-face work allowed amid efforts to enforce social distancing. Teams may not get together until the start of training camps, which typically begin in July.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has said in the past that he would prefer a shorter preseason schedule. He said that he finds practices, especially joint ones with other teams, to be much more valuable while preparing for regular-season play.
"You absolutely don't need four preseason games," Shanahan said last year. "I'd rather have zero than four, preferably I'd like two. One to evaluate the people trying to make the team and then just one to knock a little rust off."
The 49ers are currently scheduled to face the following teams during the preseason.
- At the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August 15
- Hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, August 21
- At the Chicago Bears on Saturday, August 29
- Hosting the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, September 3