The NFL will cancel the first and fourth preseason games to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading and give players extra time to get in shape before facing live action, ESPN reported. The schedule change has long been rumored.
This is the first significant interruption to the NFL’s calendar, which had essentially remained intact throughout the offseason despite the pandemic.
The Bears were scheduled to open the preseason at home against the Browns on Aug. 15 and close Sept. 3 at the Titans. With those games canceled, their preseason will be limited to Aug. 22 at the Broncos and a home game against the 49ers on Aug.