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Hours after the Pro Football Hall of Fame officially canceled the annual game in Canton and postponed enshrinement ceremonies until 2021, the NFL advised its teams on a conference call that training camp remains on course to open on time for all 32 teams.
League executive vice president and general counsel Jeff Pash also informed teams that rookies and “select players” will be permitted to report early, after rookie minicamps and OTAs were canceled in the spring. Following reports from the conference call, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added that issues relating to the preseason schedule are still to be worked out.
NFL's Jeff Pash says on a conference call with the media teams have been advised training camps are slated to open on time (July 28 for most). Other issues (number of preseason games) still being discussed with the NFLPA.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 25, 2020
As it stands, the Seahawks are scheduled to begin their preseason schedule on August 13. Training camps are permitted to open two weeks before a team’s first preseason game, meaning Seattle should report on July 30. However, should the preseason schedule be altered, so too could report dates for camp.
Also on Thursday, the NFL owners voted to confirm what was reported Wednesday as in the plans for 2020: the first several rows in stadiums will be blocked off this season, in order to help distance teams and fans.
Certainly more information to come, as the NFL continues to make plans for a season amid the coronavirus pandemic.