Early Monday, the NFL leaked to the NFL Network that its owners would be OK if there were just one preseason game in 2020.
Later in the day, after players agreed to testing protocols that could open training camps on time, the NFL changed its tune. And not in way that you might think.
According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the league is now saying there will be no preseason games this season.
Per source, the league today offered the union zero preseason games. A big step.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2020
The NFL initially wanted two preseason games. The union wanted none. The league floated the idea of having one game earlier in the day, making Week 3 of the preseason the one that would be played.
Now, after the union agreed to these terms on player testing, the NFL offered to play no games.
A memo that just went out outlining COVID-19 testing pic.twitter.com/RnJHRXQOKA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2020
That means the Steelers wouldn't take the field for the first time until Sept. 14, when they play the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
NFL teams can report for training camp July 28. Teams can begin to have rookies report July 21. The Steelers, who have just 16 rookies on their roster and have yet to sign any of their draft picks, don't plan on having their rookies report just yet.
The Steelers' training camp, of course, will take place at Heinz Field this year after the NFL told teams they could not go away from team facilities for camp, meaning the Steelers could not go to Saint Vincent College.
LOLLEY'S VIEW
The lack of preseason games will make things tough on coaches trying to evaluate players. But for a team such as the Steelers, who don't have much turnover, it could be a big benefit.
Imagine, for example, counting on rookies to play early in the season when they've never even lined up to play a preseason game. That won't go well.
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