Being an avid football fan, no one wants to see the NFL keep its promise of holding the 2020-21 season as planned more than me. However, no one can face the current global coronavirus pandemic with blinders on, and recent actions by the league are becoming a little worrisome. The Hall of Fame Game, which should have taken place on August 6, has already been pushed back almost an entire year, and the number of preseason games to be played has now been cut – and might be eliminated entirely. In addition, the start of the preseason will be delayed, and one can’t help but wonder if the changes are precursors to an eventual delay or cancelation of the season. At this point, football fans should remain optimistic, but keep in the back of their minds the thought that something wicked may be coming.

According to several sources, the NFL has decided to eliminate two weeks of preseason action, erasing the games that would have taken place in Week 1 and Week 4. In addition, there is talk that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) may suggest something different and could look to have the entire preseason canceled. No definitive response has yet been given, but it’s apparent that some sort of change is coming.

The league is being forced to make additional changes as teams haven’t been able to spend the time on the field practicing as would normally be needed. By eliminating the two weeks, and delaying the start of the games, teams can get players suited up and on the field, running drills and plays in preparation for the regular season. So far, September 10 is still the tentative launch date for the NFL games.

Brandon McManus, kicker for the Denver Broncos and the team’s union rep, seems to know something the rest of us don’t. He tweeted yesterday, “Be ready for 1 or 0 preseason games. Won’t be 2.” Football fans hope he’s wrong.