By: Michael Stiffler, @Stiffeezy_ on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
What seemed inevitable is finally official. The Hall of Fame Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys has been cancelled and moved to 2021, Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning. In addition, the enshrinement ceremony has been postponed, to 2021 as well. The cancellation of the actual preseason game should come as no surprise as Cam Heyward stated previously, “I think the Hall of Fame Game is probably out.”
The Cowboys and Steelers, who were scheduled to play in this year’s preseason opener, now are expected to play in the 2021 Hall of Fame game next summer, per sources. The HOF enshrinement ceremony also is expected to be held then.https://t.co/1dGl2DX2iq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2020
Steeler Nation will be disappointed not seeing the enshrinement ceremony. With former Steelers Troy Polamalu, Bill Cowher, and Donnie Shell a part of the centennial slate, the Steelers had their hand print on this Hall of Fame.
This preseason game cancellation is sure to be met with mixed reviews among fans, coaches, and players alike. Coaches would enjoy the extra game reps for the young players to get them used to the routine and environment. The players who are fighting for a roster spot are sure to be disappointed as this is one less opportunity to show what they got. Veterans are most likely the ones who have let out a sigh of relief as the Hall of Fame Game means an earlier, extended training camp. While no official word on if this will impact the Steelers training camp start date, you have to imply they will start with the majority of the league July 28th, rather than the previous reported date of July 22nd. While I enjoy watching preseason games to see the young potential the Steelers have, there is no telling how sloppy this game could have been with the limited in-person interactions the Steelers have had.
Going forward, this might be the first cause of concern that the NFL might hit a delay in the season. While there have been talks about a shortened preseason due to COVID-19 to limit the person-to-person exposure, this is the first domino to fall. All eyes now will be on the league owners and commissioner as we inch closer to the start of training camp.
Did you have tickets to either of these events? Let us know in the comments below.
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