By editor 
The Evolution of NFL Preseason: A Focus on Joint Practices
The NFL is on the cusp of a transformative phase in its preseason preparations, with a growing emphasis on collaborative training. Joint practices, where teams train together before exhibition games, are becoming a staple of preseason routines. The 2025 NFL joint practice schedule, featuring 29 of the league’s 32 teams, underscores this trend. This report delves into the details of the 2025 schedule, examines the driving forces behind this trend, and explores the implications for player development and competitive balance.
The Growing Trend of Joint Practices
Over the past few years, the NFL has progressively encouraged joint practices, and the data reflects a steady increase in participation. Initially seen as an innovative approach, joint practices have now become a standard part of many teams’ preseason routines. The 2025 schedule, announced by the league, includes 24 confirmed joint practice sessions, with teams allowed up to four sessions each. This strategic timing, primarily in early August, allows coaches to evaluate players against diverse schemes and personnel without the high risk of injury associated with full-speed games.
Notable Matchups and Strategic Timing
The 2025 schedule features several high-profile matchups. On August 5th, the Indianapolis Colts will practice with the Baltimore Ravens in Maryland, while the Los Angeles Rams will engage with the Dallas Cowboys in California. The following day, the Cleveland Browns will travel to Carolina to practice with the Panthers, and the Washington Commanders will visit the New England Patriots. These early dates highlight the league’s push for efficient preseason preparation, enabling teams to refine strategies and assess talent before the regular season.
The Advantages of Joint Practices
The surge in joint practices is not coincidental. Several key benefits drive this trend:
- Realistic Evaluation: Joint practices provide a more authentic setting for evaluating players compared to traditional training camp drills. Players must adapt quickly to unfamiliar techniques and strategies, showcasing their skills under pressure.
- Scheme Refinement: Coaches gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their schemes against opposing philosophies. This real-time feedback allows for adjustments and improvements, leading to more polished game plans.
- Injury Reduction: While contact is involved, joint practices generally carry a lower risk of injury compared to full-speed preseason games. This allows teams to assess players without exposing them to excessive physical stress.
- Competitive Edge: The presence of an opponent elevates the intensity of practice, fostering a more focused and productive training environment. Players are naturally more motivated to perform at their best when facing off against someone they’ll soon compete against in a game.
- Building Relationships: Beyond the on-field benefits, joint practices can foster positive relationships between players and coaches from different organizations, contributing to a more collaborative and respectful league culture.
Impact on Competitive Balance and Player Development
The widespread adoption of joint practices has significant implications for competitive balance within the NFL. Teams with experienced coaching staffs and well-defined schemes may benefit more from these sessions, as they can more effectively leverage the opportunity to refine their strategies and identify weaknesses in their opponents. However, the exposure to different looks and challenges also levels the playing field, allowing teams to quickly adapt and improve.
From a player development perspective, joint practices offer invaluable opportunities for young players to gain experience and refine their skills. Facing a variety of opponents forces them to think on their feet and adapt to different playing styles, accelerating their learning curve. The increased competitive intensity also pushes players to elevate their performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Team Participation and Strategic Approaches
While 29 teams are participating, three are notably absent from the 2025 schedule. This absence could be due to logistical constraints, coaching preferences, or a focus on internal development. It will be interesting to observe whether these teams reconsider their stance in future seasons.
Several teams are engaging in multiple joint practice sessions, indicating a strong belief in the benefits of this training methodology. The Rams, for example, are scheduled to practice with both the Cowboys and another yet-to-be-announced team, demonstrating a proactive approach to building a competitive edge.
The Future of NFL Preseason
The 2025 NFL joint practice schedule represents a significant step forward in the evolution of preseason preparation. As the league continues to prioritize player safety and competitive balance, joint practices are likely to become even more prevalent in the years to come. The NFL may explore further refinements to the rules governing these sessions, potentially expanding the allowed number of practice days or implementing standardized evaluation protocols. The league could also leverage data analytics to assess the effectiveness of joint practices and identify best practices for maximizing their benefits.
Embracing a Collaborative Future
The trend towards increased collaboration in the NFL preseason is a positive development for the league. Joint practices offer a valuable opportunity for teams to refine their strategies, evaluate players, and foster a more competitive and respectful environment. As the 2025 schedule demonstrates, the NFL is embracing this approach, paving the way for a more dynamic and engaging preseason experience for both players and fans. The future of NFL preseason appears to be one of shared learning, strategic adaptation, and a collective pursuit of excellence.