The first effect of the coronavirus pandemic has finally and unfortunately hit the NFL.
According to sources, the NFL will soon announce that the first and fourth week of the preseason schedule are being scrapped.
One of the reasons for the change is apparently to give teams more time to prepare after losing on-field time this offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Another reason is to cut down on travel.
The Dolphins were set to open the 2020 preseason at Atlanta on August 14, and to then close out the preseason at New Orleans on September 3.
Week one of the NFL preseason is now scheduled for Aug. 20-24. The second and final week is scheduled for Aug. 27-31. Each team will play one home game and one on the road, per @SeifertESPN.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) July 1, 2020
Now, they are set to play just two home preseason games – vs. the Eagles on August 20 and vs. the Lions on August 27.
However, The Miami Herald is reporting that the league plans to shuffle the schedule, to ensure that every team has a home and away game.
The Chiefs are currently set to play the Cowboys on August 29.
Flipping the site of that game could take care of the “home and away” game issue.
There are currently no plans for fans to be at any of these preseason games.