NFL preseason games may eventually disappear, since the regular season is predicted to grow. Most clubs are now playing three preseason games, with the exception of the two teams competing in the Hall of Fame Game. When there are 18 regular-season games, this number will be reduced to two. Yes, I mentioned “when” there are 18 regular season games. In light of a plan to change the NFL offseason timetable, Lions head coach Dan Campbell lamented the upcoming loss of a preseason game as an opportunity to evaluate players who aren’t guaranteed a roster position.
Nowadays, starters rarely, if ever, play in the preseason. Joint practices, such as the two days the Lions will have against the New York Giants before their preseason debut next Thursday night, have mostly replaced playing in preseason games for many teams. Those practice sessions are more regulated and scheduled, eliminating the randomness and injury risk inherent in a full-fledged game situation.
Dan Campbell confirms preseason plan for Jared Goff
SiriusXM NFL Radio was at the Lions’ training camp on July 31. Campbell discussed the preseason approach in a broad sense, with some specifics thrown in.
“The preseason is, it’s a chance to really develop the young guys”, Campbell said. “That’s what I really see. And then, we’ve got some battles here that need to shake out in the preseason game. I think there’s a good chance you’re not going to see anybody that — you could probably guess who those players are. I don’t see Goff playing this preseason. I don’t see Sewell. You can guess who those guys are. I think this is a chance to develop our young guys. A chance for for Hendon Hooker to get invaluable reps.”
So there it is, confirmed if it needed to be. Jared Goff, and the Lions’ other key players, will not play in the preseason. Anything else would be a surprise.
