Steelers' Cam Heyward doesn't think Hall of Fame Game will happen

The NFL preseason officially begins when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, but one Steelers player doesn't believe it will happen.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cameron Heyward can't see the game taking place due to COVID-19 concerns and put an emphasis on player safety as a result of the virus.

“It’s just my point of view,” Heyward said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “But I think the Hall of Fame Game is probably out. We talk so much about safety. Why would we want to expose two teams to an extra game a week early? Plus, I think there is a rule that says you need 47 days of activity before you get to the first game. ... I’d say I’m pretty pessimistic.”

Heyward's comments on the Hall of Fame Game come after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he considers the event great, but also is concerned with hosting crowds at that point in August. 

Player safety has been brought more into the spotlight recently as a result of many professional athletes testing positive for the coronavirus. 

It was reported on Friday that 23 Clemson football players recently tested positive for the virus, and multiple players from the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning have tested positive as well. These positive tests should ultimately bring player safety even more into the spotlight as we head toward leagues resuming their seasons.