NFL reportedly considering adding extra "Week 18" to handle COVID-19 setbacks

Hindsight is always 20/20, but potential delays caused by COVID-19 probably should have been taken into account before the season even began.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the NFL is considering pushing back the playoffs one week in order to create an extra “Week 18” buffer that would help accommodate for any postponements or delays that come as a direct result of the coronavirus.

From our story:
— The NFL will hold a call for coaches & GMs Monday.
— The NFL would consider adding an 18th week for flexibility.
— Why the #Falcons game wasn’t pushed back but KC-NE was.
— Why Cam is unlikely to be back for W5.
From me and @TomPelissero:https://t.co/oGlW7tcILE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2020

A move these idiots should’ve done months ago. Shocked and surprised they didn’t immediately grasp at the chance to extend the season. https://t.co/ArBnblQw9I

— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) October 4, 2020

With this potential proposal, there would only be a one-week gap between the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl as opposed to the usual two-week gap. The Super Bowl is currently scheduled for Feb. 7, 2021, with the NFC and AFC Championship games planned for Jan. 24, 2021.

After the Tennessee Titans suffered several positive cases within the organization over the last few days, questions about how to make up games have arisen. The Titans matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers initially scheduled for this Sunday has already been postponed while the New England Patriots-Kansas City Chiefs matchup slated for Sunday has been moved to Monday night following positive tests from both sides.

Considering teams aren’t playing in any sort of Bubble system, factoring in the possibility for a delay should have been a no-brainer months ago. Now the league is going to have to scramble, and it’s only Week 4.