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NFL Announces 2026 Training Camp Dates, Joint Practices

6/23/2026

Summary

NFL Announces 2026 Schedule

The NFL released the 2026 training-camp report dates and joint-practice schedule for all 32 teams.
The Detroit Lions will have rookies report July 25 and veterans July 28 in Allen Park, Michigan, with no joint practices in 2026.
The Tennessee Titans will have rookies report July 23 and veterans July 28, holding joint practices on Aug. 11, Aug. 21 and Aug. 27.
Joint practices run Aug. 11-27 with matchups such as Cowboys-Rams and Cowboys-Saints.
Final roster cuts occur Aug. 30.

Summary

Johnson: Brutal Camp

Ben Johnson said the 2026 Bears camp will be a brutal two-week period, with joint practices the primary evaluation and August 20 and August 27 sessions open to fans.
The August 20 session will feature the Bears against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence.
The August 27 Tennessee session will feature the Bears against Cam Ward, Carnell Tate and Jeffery Simmons, a lineup that drew Dolphins criticism for the Bears’ practice style.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 NFL–AFL merger created the AFC and NFC, forming a 26-team league overseen by Commissioner Pete Rozelle. The league’s schedule now includes July-August rookie and veteran camps, as the Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears demonstrate in the 2026 preseason. The NFC’s divisional lineup was chosen from five proposals in a Jan 16 1970 envelope draw, cementing the league’s consistent scheduling approach.

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NFL Announces 2026 Schedule

The NFL released the 2026 training-camp report dates and joint-practice schedule for all 32 teams.
The Detroit Lions will have rookies report July 25 and veterans July 28 in Allen Park, Michigan, with no joint practices in 2026.
The Tennessee Titans will have rookies report July 23 and veterans July 28, holding joint practices on Aug. 11, Aug. 21 and Aug. 27.
Joint practices run Aug. 11-27 with matchups such as Cowboys-Rams and Cowboys-Saints.
Final roster cuts occur Aug. 30.

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