The Dallas Cowboys were set to open their 2020 training camp on July 22nd, about a week before most NFL teams, as participants in this year's Hall of Fame game. But with news earlier today that the early preseason contest has been cancelled due to COVID-10 concerns, it's unsurprising that the start of camp will now also be delayed.
Dallas was scheduled to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers during this year's Hall of Fame weekend festivities. Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson and safety Cliff Harris are among the Class of 2020, as are Steelers' great Troy Polamalu and coach Bill Cowher.
However, as we just shared a while ago, that game has now been cancelled as the NFL adjusts to the enduring pandemic.
Cowboys and Steelers had been scheduled to report to training camp July 22 – six days ahead of most other NFL teams – because of the Hall of Fame game. But now their reporting date will be pushed back; question is whether others will, too.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2020
Given the rising number of cases in Texas and many other states, it's hard to say if a one-week delay will be enough. With offseason roster sizes of 90 players, not to mention coaches, assistants, and all of the supporting staff needed to run camp, NFL training camps offer a much more complex challenge than many others sports concerns
The typical offseason activities of rookie camps, mini camps, and OTAs have already been cancelled or converted to virtual form in the wake of COVID-19. We have many new players who've yet to even be in the same room with their new teammates, coaches, or Jerry Jones.
With July starting in less than a week and the pandemic still going strong, one has to wonder how the normal start of training camps, preseason, and perhaps even the 2020 regular season will be affected. Inside The Star will keep you informed as the news comes.
