The Steelers were set to have five preseason games in 2020. Here’s why it’s looking less likely they will play the Hall of Fame Game this August.
If you’re like me, then you’ve been chomping at the bit for some NFL action. After an unusual and strenuous 2020 offseason, I was looking forward to watching some preseason football early in August as the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to take on the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game.
Unfortunately, that game may no longer be played. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, it sounds like there is a good chance the NFL Preseason could be shortened this year. Here’s what he had to say:
A shortened NFL preseason? @TomPelissero on the possible changes to come in August 👇 pic.twitter.com/SaxyDcWczG
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 10, 2020
Pelissero said he has spoken to multiple high-ranking team executives who believe that each team will end up playing just two preseason games this year.
This is unfortunate for young Steelers players who were already forced to miss minicamp this year. With the Hall of Fame Game, Pittsburgh was set to play in five preseason games in 2020, and while the risk of injury goes up with more games, this would have been ample time for young players to showcase their abilities and fight to earn spots on the roster.
This Hall of Fame Game was also of particular importance to both the Steelers and the Cowboys, as legendary players and coaches like Troy Polamalu, Donnie Shell, Bill Cowher, and Jimmy Johnson were all scheduled to be inducted this August into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Whether or not they still perform the ceremony, it’s looking less and less likely that the game will be played at all this year.
Though many NFL veterans have been wanting a shorter NFL preseason, limiting this to just two games isn’t good for lower-level players and their chances of earning a roster spot based on their performance in the preseason.
In addition, a large number of fans tune in every August to watch their teams take the field in exhibition action, and after going months without football, it’s not hard to understand why.
Preseason is an excellent way for players to prepare for the upcoming season and for fans to get pumped up for another year of football. Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame Game looks like a pipe dream at this point, and we will be lucky if the Steelers get to play in more than two preseason games in 2020. Let’s hope this change doesn’t have to happen.