NFL Joint Practices Reach Near-Record Participation in 2025
The NFL has announced that 29 teams will participate in joint practices during the 2025 preseason, representing one of the highest participation rates in recent years. In August, there will be 24 joint practices across the NFL, scheduled to take place from August 5 through August 21.
Why Joint Practices Matter
Joint practices have become increasingly valuable evaluation tools for NFL teams. Teams typically conduct joint practices ahead of a preseason game, but rules stipulate that a joint practice cannot be held on the day before a preseason game. NFL teams are permitted to conduct up to four joint practice sessions during the preseason.
Key Numbers and Trends
This year’s participation represents a slight decrease from 2024, when 30 teams held at least one joint practice session during the preseason. However, 29 teams still represent the vast majority of the league’s 32 franchises, choosing to participate in these valuable training opportunities.
August Schedule Highlights
The joint practice schedule spans three weeks in August, with several notable matchups:
Early August (Aug. 5-8): The schedule kicks off with high-profile pairings, including the Colts visiting the Ravens, and the Rams heading to Dallas to practice against the Cowboys. Regional rivalries will be featured with the Browns visiting the Panthers and the Commanders practicing with the Patriots.
Mid-August Peak (Aug. 12-15): The busiest period features multiple practices, including the New York rivalry matchup between the Giants and Jets, division rivals like the Rams and Chargers, and traditional powerhouses like the Packers visiting the Colts.
Late August Finale (Aug. 21): The joint practice season concludes with four final sessions, including the Ravens visiting Washington and the Seahawks traveling to Green Bay.
Strategic Benefits
Joint practices offer teams the opportunity to evaluate talent against different competition styles while maintaining the controlled environment of practice rather than preseason games. They provide coaches with extended looks at players in game-like situations without the pressure and injury risks associated with actual games. This year, joint practices may be as relevant (or perhaps even more) than the actual preseason games.
The widespread adoption of joint practices reflects the NFL’s evolution toward more strategic talent evaluation methods during the preseason, as teams seek maximum value from their preparation time while managing player health and roster decisions.
Dan Brown
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)
A career-changing journey has led me to pursue a passion for NFL writing, fueled by decades of unwavering devotion to the Chicago Bears. I am focused on crafting compelling NFL content. Drawing on a unique skill set honed from self-publishing three children’s picture books, this Chicago native, now residing in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom in SE Kansas, offers a unique viewpoint on the NFL landscape, combining a deep understanding of Bears history with a front-row seat to the modern dominance of the Chiefs. With a background as a retired cook and an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, the transition to writing has been a natural progression, providing a fulfilling outlet for a passion that has always been expressed best on paper. Eager to contribute engaging and insightful NFL articles to a wider audience, I am seeking opportunities to leverage this blend of lifelong fandom, creative writing experience, and dedication to the craft.