It remains uncertain if the coronavirus pandemic will force the NFL to cancel all or some of training camp and the preseason, but HBO’s “Hard Knocks” reportedly has some big plans in the works if the offseason proceeds as scheduled.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Hard Knocks” will feature both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers if the offseason calendar allows for it. Both of the teams have volunteered to be part of the show as they move into the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The NFL was originally scheduled to announce that both teams will be part of the HBO series during the league’s annual meeting last week, but the meeting was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. No announcement is expected this week as the NFL and NFL Films prepare for their virtual draft.
The Chargers have never appeared on “Hard Knocks,” while the Rams were featured on the show back in 2016. NFL Films is based in Los Angeles, so that would make it easier to cover both teams.
With sports fans hungry for any type of fresh content during the coronavirus outbreak, “Hard Knocks” should have excellent ratings if it can be filmed this summer. Featuring two teams and a new stadium will certainly help. Coaches have typically not had favorable opinions of being part of the HBO series, but circumstances are a bit different this year.
