No preseason NFL games could mean sloppy start for special teams

By TERESA M. WALKER NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Penalties. Blocked punts or would-be field goals swatted out of the air. A kick returner weaving his way to a touchdown. Players racing onto the field for a change of possession looking like a well-oiled machine, or a unit straggling out before the play clock expires. Worse, a key contributor stuck on the sideline leading to a touchdown. Coaches around the NFL aren’t quite sure what they’ll get starting Thursday night when the 2020 season kicks off. The pandemic led to the league and players agreeing to limit potential exposure by wiping out all four preseason games, and that took away the ability to hone timing for special teams. Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrab