Dalyn Dawkins worked his way onto the roster with strong preseason games in 2018 amd 2019.

-- Photo By Matt Rourke | Ap Photo

Fewer preseason games is a good thing for many NFL players and fans. But rather than the usual four preseason contests, the coronavirus pandemic has caused the preseason to be entirely eliminated in 2020.

And while fans crave “real football,” many long-shot players who have been the beneficiary of those so-called meaningless preseason games, wonder if those coming into the league as undrafted free agents or guys who bounce from camp roster to camp roster trying to find the right fit, can get a fair shake to show their skills in camp this summer.

Already, rosters are being trimmed from 90 players to 80. And while more practice squad spots on each team means more jobs, those guys who used the preseason to showcase themselves do have some sympathy for the players coming in amid the pandemic.

“You’ve got guys that are trying to make the team, and really those preseason games were where you make your money,” says running back Dalyn Dawkins, who made the Titans practice squad as a rookie and the roster with strong performances in the final preseason game each of the past two years.

“It’s where you’re able to show your skills and abilities so they can evaluate you live on the playing field with the coaches seeing how you react to different situations. Even my rookie year, being able to show good things in the preseason games is what got me here.”

Dawkins isn’t alone in that regard, as defensive tackle Isaiah Mack fortified a strong camp and solid practices with good work in preseason games as a rookie in 2019.

He wonders if the next Isaiah Mack-type guy will get the same opportunity that he had to prove himself.

“I feel bad for some of the guys because preseason is such a great opportunity for us young guys to show what we can do,” Mack says. “The preseason is where we get to shine, because that’s where we get the most opportunities and stuff.

“I still hope that guys get their chance, and like coach says, when your time comes, I hope you’re ready, because you never know when your chance is going to come.”