When Does Preseason Football End? Key 2025 Dates

By Sarah Miller · June 2, 2046

Preseason NFL football typically ends in late August, with the final preseason games usually played during the third week of August. The regular season then begins the following week, traditionally on a Thursday night.

Understanding the NFL Preseason Schedule

The National Football League (NFL) preseason is a series of exhibition games played before the official start of the regular season. These games allow teams to evaluate players, test strategies, and finalize rosters ahead of Week 1.

Purpose of the Preseason

Assess rookie and undrafted free agent talent
Evaluate competition for starting positions
Test new offensive and defensive schemes
Minimize injury risk by limiting star player exposure
Prepare for the physical demands of the regular season

Key Dates in Recent and Upcoming Seasons

The NFL preseason has followed a consistent pattern in recent years, consisting of three or four exhibition games per team over a four-week span. Since 2021, the league has reduced the preseason from four to three games per team.

Season Year	First Preseason Game	Last Preseason Game	Regular Season Start	Weeks of Preseason
2025	August 7–9	August 24–26	September 4	3 weeks
2024	August 8	August 25	September 5	3 weeks
2023	August 10	August 27	September 7	3 weeks
2022	August 11	August 28	September 8	3 weeks
2021	August 12	August 29	September 9	3 weeks
2019	August 8	August 29	September 5	4 weeks

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear shift after 2020: the NFL shortened the preseason from four to three games beginning in 2021. As a result, the final preseason games now consistently fall between August 24 and August 26, allowing one full week before the opening Thursday night game of the regular season. This change was made to reduce player injuries and increase rest, especially for veteran athletes.

Roster Implications During Preseason

The end of the preseason marks a critical deadline for team rosters. By the final preseason game, coaches must make key decisions about player roles and roster cuts.

Roster Cutdown Timeline

Initial Roster Size: 90 players per team at the start of training camp
First Cutdown: To 85 players (usually 15 days before Week 1)
Final Cutdown: To 53 active roster spots by 4 p.m. ET the day after the final preseason game
Practice Squad: Teams may then sign up to 16 players to their practice squad

This process intensifies during the last preseason game, often referred to as the "dress rehearsal," where second- and third-string players get extended playing time to demonstrate their value.

How Preseason Length Varies by Team and Player Role

While all teams play the same number of preseason games, the amount of playing time varies significantly based on team strategy and player experience level.

Playing Time by Position Group

Starters: Usually play only in the first one or two preseason games, if at all
Backup QBs: See action in Weeks 2 and 3 to build rhythm and decision-making under pressure
Rookies and Competing Players: Often play into the third quarter of the final preseason game
Special Teams Candidates: Use the preseason to showcase coverage and return skills

Coaches use the final preseason game to simulate regular-season conditions for depth players, ensuring readiness in case of injuries during the regular season.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Preseason Football Ends

When does the NFL preseason end in 2025?

The NFL preseason in 2025 is scheduled to conclude between August 24 and August 26, with the final exhibition games taking place in Week 3. The exact date will be confirmed when the official schedule is released in May 2025.

How many preseason games do NFL teams play?

Since 2021, each NFL team plays three preseason games. Prior to that, teams played four preseason games annually. The reduction was part of the new collective bargaining agreement aimed at improving player safety and reducing wear and tear.

Why did the NFL shorten the preseason?

The NFL shortened the preseason from four to three games in 2021 to reduce injury risk, improve player health, and extend careers. The change was included in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

Do starters play in the final preseason game?

No, most starting players do not play in the final preseason game. Coaches typically rest starters to avoid injuries, using the third preseason game as a final tune-up for backups and fringe roster candidates.

What happens the week after preseason ends?

After the preseason ends, teams must reduce their rosters from 90 to 53 players by the Tuesday following the final preseason game. They then prepare for the regular season opener, which usually starts on a Thursday night.

Is the preseason necessary in the NFL?

Yes, the preseason remains essential for evaluating talent, especially rookies and undrafted players, testing strategies, and preparing the full roster for regular-season intensity. While debates continue over its length, most coaches and executives support keeping at least two to three exhibition games.