Preseason of the NFL has begun, yet it's probable that your preferred player might be absent
In the world of American football, the NFL preseason is undergoing a significant transformation. The current trend sees an increased use of joint practices between teams, which are viewed as a safer and more structured alternative to traditional preseason games.
These joint practices provide teams with valuable reps as they compete against unfamiliar opponents in a controlled environment. Coaches manage the tempo and drills meticulously, ensuring game-like intensity while minimising injury risk. This trend has grown significantly, with 29 teams scheduling joint practices in 2025, some teams even holding multiple sessions.
Key player participation in these practices and preseason games is approached with caution. Injuries and health management are top priorities, with star players like Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams missing training camp and early preseason practices due to injuries. The emphasis on starters playing extensively in preseason games has diminished compared to past years, partly because the NFL reduced the preseason from four to three games. Players, especially key starters, are more likely to have limited or highly managed snaps to avoid injury before the regular season.
This trend towards maximising preparation while minimising injury risk is evident across the NFL. For instance, Sean McVay, the coach of the Los Angeles Rams, started holding out his best players entirely during the preseason in 2018, a decision that has influenced the approach of many other teams.
However, not every team adheres to this approach. The Cincinnati Bengals, for example, played multiple starters in their preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia due to their good health and hope to improve their readiness for the regular season. Yet, this strategy has been met with criticism, as the Bengals have started 0-2 in five of their last six seasons, with some arguing that their approach to preserving preseason health has stunted their readiness for the regular season.
In the midst of this shift, there have been notable events. Joe Burrow, the Bengals' quarterback, made his first preseason appearance in his NFL career in 2025. On the other hand, star players like Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels, and Lamar Jackson will not play in their teams' preseason openers.
The NFL preseason is also not without its risks. Injuries such as Rashawn Slater's season-ending knee injury during a practice and Anthony Richardson's dislocated pinkie finger during a preseason game serve as reminders of the potential dangers. However, joint practices offer quality repetitions in a more controlled scrimmage than a game, with limited tackling and no hitting of quarterbacks.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the focus on player safety and preparation in the preseason period is becoming increasingly apparent. The trend of reducing or eliminating starters' preseason workloads is likely to continue, reflecting the league's commitment to ensuring its players are in top form for the regular season.
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