2020 NFL Schedule Will Release Next Week; Openers, Super Bowl to Start on Time

The NFL isn't currently planning any adjustments to its 2020 game calendar with the schedule set to be released next week. 

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the regular season is expected to start as planned on Sept. 10 with the Super Bowl still scheduled for Feb. 7. 

"We plan to start on time," McCarthy said.

Fowler did note the league has looked into contingency plans, including working with the NFL Players Association and medical professionals to establish protocols, if the coronavirus pandemic intensifies. 

John Ourand and Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal reported on Monday that potential contingencies discussed by the NFL include delaying the start of the season to Oct. 15 and moving the Super Bowl back to Feb. 28. 

One anonymous source with knowledge of the NFL's planning told Mark Maske and Dave Sheinin of The Washington Post last month that the league is looking into possibly playing games in empty or partially-filled stadiums. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Mar. 31, the league plans to release the schedule no later than May 9. 

The NFL has adjusted some of its offseason activities because of the pandemic. The draft was conducted virtually with coaches and executives from all 32 teams operating from their homes.

The league and players association agreed to a voluntary virtual offseason program that ends no later than May 15 since team facilities are closed. 

There have not yet been any changes to the preseason schedule, with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers still on track to play the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6.