Coronavirus will lower the NFL preseason in half.

The league is expected to announce Thursday that Week 1 and 7 days 4 of its exhibition slate will be scrapped, in accordance to a Pro Football Talk report, following the cancellation of the Aug. 6 Corridor of Fame match among the Cowboys and Steelers. In addition to minimizing COVID-19 risk and vacation for teams, the elimination of two video games from every single team’s preseason routine offers each individual roster extra time to apply and educate after lacking months of group workout routines, without the need of directing preparing or resources to live action.

The NFL has still to make any changes to the frequent period program, which is to start out Sept. 10, and remains hopeful that online games could aspect admirers, even as the NBA, NHL and MLS get ready to engage in in isolated hub cities and MLB embarks on a period with vacant stadiums.

Nevertheless the NFL has presently mandated that at the very least the to start with 6 rows in a stadium be empty, The Athletic is reporting that groups might ask admirers to indication legal responsibility waivers if they pick to attend games, agreeing not to hold the franchise or location responsible if they deal the coronavirus. The report states that admirers would be advised — nevertheless not expected — to don facemasks, while concessions could go cashless, featuring only pre-packaged meals.